Origin
Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen, commonly known as Senegal cotton, is a subspecies of the Gossypium anomalum, which is a wild plant species found in Africa. This specific subspecies is native to Senegal and can be found growing in its natural habitat in the dry savannas of the country.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Senegal cotton, and locally in Senegal, it is called "Lambali" in the Wolof language and "Gosan" in the Pular language.
Uses
The Senegal cotton plant is not commercially cultivated for its fiber as its wild form has inferior fibers compared to commercially grown cotton species. However, it is used locally in some parts of Senegal for medicinal purposes. The dried roots and leaves of the plant are boiled and consumed as a tea for their anti-inflammatory properties, treating rheumatism, and fever. It is also used as an astringent for washing wounds and other skin infections. The cotton seeds are also used locally for making soap, and the plant material is used for making baskets, ropes, and mats.
General Appearance
The Senegal cotton plant is a shrub that grows up to 4 meters high. The leaves are palmate with long, narrow lobes, and the flowers are yellow with purple or maroon centers. The fruit is a capsule that splits open when mature, revealing the cotton seeds inside. The fibers of the plant are shorter and frizzier compared to other commercially grown cotton species.
Growth Conditions for Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen
Light Requirements: This particular plant requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but full sun exposure is highly recommended for optimal growth and fruit development.
Temperature Requirements: Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen prefers warm temperatures for growth. It can thrive in temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C. However, it is also capable of tolerating slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 25°C.
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers a well-drained alluvial soil for optimal growth and development. It can grow in a variety of soil types, ranging from sandy to clayey soils. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged or poorly drained soils. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Additionally, the plant can grow in soils that are moderately saline.
Water Requirements: Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen needs regular watering during the germination and early growth stages. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate moderate drought conditions. With enough rainfall, the plant does not require additional watering. However, if grown in a dry area, regular irrigation is necessary.
Fertilizer Requirements: This plant requires a balanced fertilizer application to grow optimally. Apply a nitrogenous fertilizer before planting, after 2-3 weeks of germination, and again after 2 months of growth. Additionally, applying phosphorus-rich fertilizer is beneficial for fruit development.
Growth Period: Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen takes around 85-110 days to mature from seedling to flowering. It is a perennial crop that can grow for many years if well maintained.
Cultivation Methods
Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen is primarily grown in Africa, particularly in the regions of Sudan and Senegal. The plant prefers warm climates and thrives in well-draining sandy loam soil. It is typically grown from seeds, which can be directly sown into the soil or transplanted from starter pots. To achieve successful cultivation, it is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and to keep the plant in full sun.
Watering Needs
The plant requires consistent watering to maintain optimal soil moisture content. However, overwatering must be avoided at all costs, as it can lead to root rot and adversely affect growth. It is recommended to water the plant in the morning, providing enough water to moisten the soil without causing waterlogging. Additionally, it is vital to ensure that the plant receives adequate drainage.
Fertilization
Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen is a heavy feeder and requires frequent fertilization. A balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied to the soil every two to three weeks during the growing season. Inorganic fertilizers can be used, but organic options such as compost and manure are preferred. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application to avoid over-fertilization and potential injury to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant's growth and development, but it can help manage its size and shape while promoting better health and vigor. Pruning should be done during the early stages of growth to remove any damaged or diseased shoots and to encourage branching. Additionally, pruning can help promote blooming and fruiting. Any branches that cross or rub against each other can be trimmed to prevent injury and improve airflow. It is important to use sharp and sterilized pruning tools and to avoid cutting too much of the plant at once.
Propagation Methods of Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen
Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen can be propagated through various methods:
Seeds
The easiest method to propagate Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the capsules after they have fully matured. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, preferably in a pot, and watered regularly. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in spring, when the temperature is warm. The seeds usually germinate within two weeks.
Cuttings
Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen can also be propagated from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be around 10 cm in length and should be taken from the softwood of the plant. The cuttings should be rooted in well-drained soil and kept in a warm, humid environment until they develop roots, which usually takes around two weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method to propagate Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen. In this method, a section of bark is removed from a healthy and disease-free branch and the wound is covered with a damp rooting medium. The branch is then covered with plastic to create a humid environment. Roots will form from the wound and once they are well-established, the branch can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a well-drained soil.
Disease Management for Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen
Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen may be affected by various diseases that can hinder its growth and damage its productivity. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Cotton Wilt
Cotton wilt is a fungal disease that may cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. It is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, which infects the roots and clogs the water-conducting vessels, resulting in wilting and death. Managing cotton wilt may involve using disease-resistant seeds, crop rotation, and soil fumigation.
Cotton Leaf Curl Disease
Cotton leaf curl disease is a viral disease that may cause leaf curling, dwarfing, and reduction in yield. It is caused by a group of viruses from the family Geminiviridae. To manage cotton leaf curl disease, farmers should use disease-resistant seeds, remove infected plants, and control the spread of whiteflies, which may transmit the virus.
Pest Management for Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen
Gossypium anomalum Wawra ex Wawra & Peyr. subsp. senarense (Wawra & Peyr.) Vollesen is also susceptible to various pests that may damage the plant and reduce its productivity. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Cotton Bollworm
Cotton bollworm is a common pest that may cause damage to the flowers and bolls. It is a type of caterpillar that feeds on the flower buds, bolls, and leaves. To manage cotton bollworms, farmers may use crop rotation, insecticides, and biological control methods, such as using natural predators like spiders or parasitic wasps.
Cotton Aphids
Cotton aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that may infest the plant and stunt its growth. They feed on the sap of the plant and excrete honeydew, which can attract other insects and fungi. To manage cotton aphids, farmers may use insecticides, natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
