The botanical name of Teosinte is Euchaleanamaxicana and it is commonly known as Makchari. It is a succulent fodder with average height of 6-10feet. The leaves are taller and broader. The plant has lateral branches which is too long. Female inflorescence which is also known as ‘ear’ possesses 5-12 kernels. It is native to Mexico and Central America. In India, Punjab is the major Teosinte growing state. It provides fodder mainly in the month of November and it remains green for longer time.

It is grown in variety of soils ranging from loam to sandy loam soil. It gives best result when grown in rich heavy soil. Avoid cultivation in light sandy soils as it affects the crop growth. For good growth it requires pH ranging from 5.8-7.0.

TL 1: It is developed in 1993. The plant of this variety is maize borer resistant. Leaves remain green till maturity. Seeds have hard covering and are slaty-brown in color.
 
Other two varieties such as Sirsa improved and Rhuri are also developed.
 

For Teosinte plantation, it requires well prepared land. To bring land to good level, plough land once with harrow followed by two ploughings with planking. Plantation is done on prepared beds.

 Time of sowing

Prepare nursery in the month of May-June and seeds are sown in the month of June-July. Avoid sowing in the month of august as it gives low yield.

Spacing

Depending upon plant growth habit, sow seeds at the spacing of "30 cm x 40 cm" and of convenient width.  

Sowing Depth

Depth of sowing is 3-4 cm.

Method of sowing

Sowing can be done with help of Kera or Seed drill.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

 At the time of land preparation, apply Farm Yard Manure @8tonnes/acre. Apply fertilizer dose of Nitrogen or urea at the time of sowing @20kg/acre or @44kg/acre respectively. Broadcasting of Nitrogen or urea @20kg/acre or @44kg/acre respectively is done after 1 month of sowing.
Application of Phosphorus and potassium is done for soil test if beds are soil deficient.
 

Perform frequent weeding and hoeing for effective weed control.  If weed left uncontrolled then it will reduce the crop yield. For effective weed control spraying of Atrataf 50 WP (Atrazine) @400g/acre in 200 ltr of water is done within 2-3 days after sowing. It is effective in controlling itsit/chapati annual weeds. . Mulching is also an effective way to reduce soil temperature along with weed control.

Depending upon climate and soil, the irrigation is mainly done at an interval of 8-10 days.

• Pest and their control:

Maize borer: Mainly it attacks in the early stages of crop growth.
 
Treatment: Spraying of Sevin 50 WP(carbaryl) @100-150gm/acre is given to treat Maize borer.
 

Harvesting is mainly done after 80-100 days of sowing. Harvesting is done when tassel appear on the crop. The fodder remains green for longer time and is full of nutrients at this stage. Sun dried crops are harvested.

After harvesting, thrashing is done. Thrashing is mainly done by beating the crop or running the tractor over the crop. Before storing white seeds are separated. After separation the fodder is stored in gunny bags or in closed area. The seed yield of Teosinte is around 5 quintals/acre.

1.Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana

2.Department of Agriculture

3.Indian Agricultural Research Instittute, New Delhi

4.Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research

5.Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare