Overview
Guizotia abyssinica var. sciarapovii Cif. is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly found in Africa, mainly in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya. This plant is also called niger, nyjer, ramtil, or black seed.
Appearance
Guizotia abyssinica var. sciarapovii Cif. is an annual plant that typically grows up to 1 to 2 meters tall. Its stem is erect, somewhat branched, and slightly hairy. The leaves are alternate and can be toothed or entire, the leaf blade is about 4 to 14 cm long and 1 to 7 cm wide with lanceolate or linear shape.
The plant produces yellow flowers that are small, about 8mm in diameter, globose in shape and arranged in loose clusters. The fruit is a three sided cypsela, around 3mm in size, composes of small, black seeds, which contains oil.
Uses
The seeds of Guizotia abyssinica var. sciarapovii Cif. are commonly used in food and drinks. The seeds have high oil content and are rich in protein, thus are used in the production of cooking oil, animal feed, and some confections.
Aside from its nutritional value, this plant has also been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as hypertension, coughs, asthma, and digestive disorders. Extracts from the plant have also been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Finally, this plant plays an important role in the ecosystem, as its seeds are a vital source of food for many species of birds, including finches, redpolls, and siskins.
Light Requirements
Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif. requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth and flowering will be affected. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures between 20-35°C (68-95°F) to grow well. It is not frost-tolerant and may not survive in extremely cold temperatures. As a general rule, it is best to grow it in a warm and humid environment.
Soil Requirements
For the best growth of Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif., it requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-8.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it is advisable to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Additionally, the plant prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged, so ensure adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods for Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif.
Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif. is a hardy plant species that can be cultivated easily. Farmers can propagate the plant using seeds or stem cuttings. The best time for planting is during the rainy season or two weeks before the rains start. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2cm and should be spaced 30 cm apart. The plant requires well-drained soil and moderate sunlight; hence the planting site should consider these factors.
Watering Needs for Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif.
The plant requires moderate watering in the first six weeks after planting, and then the watering should be reduced. The frequency of watering will significantly depend on the climate, with regions with high rainfall requiring less watering. The plant is hardy and can withstand mild drought conditions. However, if rainfall is inadequate, the farmers should consider supplementary irrigation to improve plant growth and yield.
Fertilization Methods for Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif.
Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif. can flourish in nutrient-deficient soils. However, to achieve optimal yields, farmers should apply a balanced fertilizer during planting. The fertilizer should contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the ratio of 14:14:14 NPK. The farmers can also use organic manure to improve the soil structure and fertility.
Pruning Methods for Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif.
Pruning is not a requirement for Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif., but it's necessary for farmers who aim for a more compact plant. The plant can attain a height of 1.5 meters during the flowering stage. To discourage the plant from becoming leggy, farmers should trim the top two nodes of the plant. However, it's essential to avoid any pruning after the flowering stage as it can negatively impact the yield.
Propagation of Guizotia abyssinica var. sciarapovii
The propagation of Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif. can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in prepared beds or containers. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and should be kept moist until germination. The seeds usually germinate within 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length with at least two nodes. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite. Keep the rooting medium moist and provide partial shade. The cuttings will develop roots within 4 to 6 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to the desired location.
Another asexual propagation method is layering. Bend a low-hanging branch of the plant to the ground and make a small incision on the bark. Cover the incision with soil and keep it moist. The branch will start to develop roots at the incision site and can be separated from the mother plant once it has enough roots.
Propagation through division is also possible with older plants. Divide plants during dormant periods, such as winter, and plant the divisions in well-draining soil.
Disease Management
The plant Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif. is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and management techniques:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and death of leaves in the plant. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected plants, improve soil drainage, and rotate crops to reduce the pathogen's population in the soil.
Fusarium wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. To manage the disease, plant resistant cultivars, avoid planting the same crop in the same field for several years, and sterilize soil before planting.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves and can lead to plant death. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. var. sciarapovii Cif. can also be affected by several pests that can damage its leaves, stem, and seeds. Here are some common pests and management techniques:
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and curling of leaves. To manage the pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, attract natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and remove heavily infested plant parts.
Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths that cut the stems of young plants at the soil level. To manage the pests, use collars around the base of the plants, till the soil to expose the larvae to predators, and handpick the pests at night.
Seed weevils
Seed weevils are small, brown beetles that feed on the seeds of the plant, reducing yield and quality. To manage the pests, harvest the seeds as soon as they mature, store them in cool, dry conditions, and fumigate the storage areas with phosphine or carbon dioxide.
