Germplasm Reported from the Indochina-Indonesia Center of Diversity, Job's Tears or cvs thereof is reported to tolerate laterite, low pH, photoperiodic latitude, poor soil, slope, virus, and waterlogging. Distribution Native perhaps to southeast Asia, but now rather pantropical as cultigen and weed. Seed dibbled 2.5 cm deep, at spacing of 60 x 60 cm. One intercultivation, before the plants tiller, and shade on ground may be necessary. Sufficient rains in early stage of growth and a dry period when grain is setting are necessary for good yields.
Plants respond well to liberal applications of organic manure.
Harvesting Crop harvested in 4-5 months after sowing. Plants are cut off at base and grain separated by threshing. Seeds are dried in sun prior to milling. Adlay flour milled and used with wheat flour for baking purposes. Adlay is extensively cultivated in Philippine Islands, Indochina, Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka, and is used as an auxiliary food crop, especially as a substitute for rice.