Abstract

Unlike other millets and the cereal crops, the Ragi plant, though typically grass-like, has a peculiar build and appearance. The plant is often compared to a chandelier in general outline. A study of the plant was made to resolve the reason for this and it was found to be due to the packing of a large number of leaves that have conspicuous leaf bases on short slender culms... The total number of leaves including that of tillers (at an average of two tillers per plant-more may be found depending upon spacing and other cultural practices) may be 63-72, a single tiller having as much as 24 leaves. But the plant grows to a height of 90 to 120 cm. only. The culm of ragi is slender and has an average thickness of 0.69 cm. at the base and 0-23 cm., just below the earhead (peduncle). It may be quite probable that the slender culm derives support from the ensheathing leaf bases, to bear the burden of the leaves and the earhead. The leaf bases are longer than the internodes, especially the lower internodes. The several layers of bases that arise successively from the nodes that are close together, render the necessary support as well as protection to the slender culm. It was also observed that the support derived from the leaf bases, do not sustain throughout, but fails at a time when most needed.

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