Description of Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern
Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a subvariety of the Guizotia schultzii, commonly known as Niger seed or ramtil. The plant is native to Ethiopia and grows at an altitude of 1500-3000m above sea level.
Common Names
Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern is commonly referred by different names depending on the region. In Ethiopia, it is known as niger seed, ramtil, or nogha, while in other parts of the world such as India, it is called black seeds, thistle seeds, rain-fed safflower, and even oil seeds.
General Appearance
The plant's leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed, with a toothed margin. It produces a large number of small, white, or yellow-colored flowers that bloom at its tips. The fruits are small, oval-shaped capsules that contain numerous seeds, which are dark brown or black and triangular or flattened in shape. Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern can reach a height of 1.5m, and its stems are thin and hairless.
Uses
The seeds of Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern have various uses. In Ethiopia, it is used for oil extraction, preparing traditional medicine, and food, while in other countries, the seeds are used for birdseed. The oil extracted from the seeds is rich in fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 and is used for cooking, soap making, and lighting. In some African countries, the seeds are roasted and eaten as a snack or used as a spice to flavor sauces.
Light Requirements
The plant Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of bright sunlight to grow and mature to its full potential. Therefore, it is best grown in areas where it can receive direct sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern prefers warm temperatures within the range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate high temperature and drought conditions but it can not withstand frost and cool temperatures as it is a summer annual plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils that have good water holding capacity. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types like sandy loams, red sandy loams, deep red loams, and loams. However, the preferred soil pH range for the growth of Guizotia schultzii is between 5.5 and 7.5. A fertile soil with adequate nutrients and organic matter content is essential for the plant's proper growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern
Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern is a plant that requires low maintenance. It is an annual plant that is primarily grown for its oil-rich seeds.
It is essential to plant the seeds during the early stages of the rainy season because the crop needs moisture for seedling establishment and early growth. Ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, or else the young seedlings may rot. Sow the seeds directly in the field or in seed trays, and transplant the seedlings after three weeks of growth.
Watering Needs for Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the early stages of growth. Water the plants every four days until they start flowering, and reduce watering after the flowering stage. However, ensure that the plants do not experience water stress because it could cause poor yields, small-sized seeds, or even death of the plant.
Fertilization of Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern
The plant usually grows well in areas with fertile soils; thus, fertilization should not be necessary if the soil has adequate nutrients. However, you can apply an organic fertilizer, such as farmyard manure, to supplement the soil's natural nutrients. When using a chemical fertilizer, apply it at the recommended rate based on soil test analysis.
Pruning Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern
Pruning is not necessary for Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern plants. However, you can remove any diseased or dead plants to prevent the spread of diseases to healthy plants. Also, cut the plants at the base of the stem after harvesting to prepare for the next planting season.
Propagation of Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern
Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern, commonly known as the narrow-leaved niger, is a plant native to Africa that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant can be propagated through various methods, which are discussed in detail below:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Guizotia schultzii var. angustifolia is through seeds. The seeds of this plant are small and black in color, and they should be sown in well-prepared soil during the early spring or after the last frost of the season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced 20-30 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-10 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Guizotia schultzii var. angustifolia can also be propagated vegetatively. The plant can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in early spring or autumn. The cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and should be taken from healthy plants. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the stem, and the cuttings should be planted in well-prepared soil, preferably in a greenhouse. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they have rooted, which usually takes 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into the field.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Guizotia schultzii var. angustifolia. This method can be used to propagate mature plants that have developed a clump of roots. The clump of roots should be carefully dug up, and the plant should be divided into several smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has some roots attached to it. The new clumps should then be planted in well-prepared soil and watered regularly until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern
Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern, also known as the narrow-leaved niger seed, is a valuable medicinal and oilseed plant. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Fungal Diseases
Guizotia schultzii is prone to fungal diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. These diseases can cause yellowing or browning of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
To manage these diseases, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper spacing to promote air circulation. Fungicides can also be used if the infestation is severe.
Bacterial Diseases
Guizotia schultzii is susceptible to bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and leaf blight. These diseases can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves, stem rot, and plant death.
To manage bacterial diseases, avoid overhead watering, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and practice crop rotation. Copper-based fungicides can also help control the spread of bacterial diseases.
Viral Diseases
Guizotia schultzii is prone to viral diseases such as mosaic viruses and leaf curl viruses. These diseases can cause stunted growth, leaf deformation, and reduced yield.
To manage viral diseases, avoid using infected seeds or plants, control the aphid population (which can transmit viruses), and remove and destroy infected plant parts.
Pests
Guizotia schultzii is susceptible to various pests like aphids, leafhoppers, and cutworms. These pests can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, reduced yield, and plant death.
To manage pest infestations, use insecticidal soaps or oils, release beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, and practice crop rotation. Avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects and the environment.
In conclusion, Guizotia schultzii Hochst. ex Sch.Bip. var. angustifolia Oliv. & Hiern can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. However, with proper management techniques like crop rotation, removal of infected plant parts, and the use of organic controls, the plant can be protected from these dangers and flourish to provide valuable medicinal and oilseed products.
