Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
Finger Millet (Ragi)
Finger millet, also called ragi, is a small-grained cereal grown in rainfed and irrigated systems across parts of South Asia and Africa. Its major disease concern includes blast, which can affect leaves and the neck of the ear.
Profile
- Production
- Most finger millet area described in the cited package is rainfed and grown in the rainy season.
- Water
- The ICAR brochure states irrigation needs vary with soil type, weather and variety duration.
- Disease
- Blast is identified as a major disease.
- Pests
- Armyworm, cutworm, stem borer, shoot fly and ear caterpillars are named pests.
Water & soil context
- Moisture (VWC)
- Maintain moisture according to soil type, weather and crop duration; adjust irrigation to local conditions rather than a fixed sensor threshold.
- Salinity tolerance
- Salt sensitivity is not documented in the cited pages.
- Drought tolerance
- A formal drought class is not stated in the cited pages.
Illustrative monitoring-depth band
3–8 in
Editorial placement example, not a validated optimum or total rooting depth. Confirm the site's root distribution and soil horizons; multiple depths may be needed.
Irrigation demand depends on soil, weather and variety duration, as the ICAR brochure notes; a universal root-zone target is not documented.
Problems to watch
- Check leaves and ear necks for blast; inspect stems for borer injury and ears for caterpillar feeding.
Stress signs
- Blast can produce spindle-shaped leaf lesions with gray centers and brown margins; neck infection can darken and weaken the ear stalk.
Where you'll find it
- Grain for human food
- Straw for livestock feed
More plants, natives & crops
Published botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.