Origin
Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori, also known as small-headed Noug or Nyjer, is a plant native to Ethiopia and East Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as small-headed Noug or Nyjer in English, and “Ambash” in Ethiopia.
Uses
Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori is known for its oil-rich seeds, which have many uses. These seeds are often used for pressing oil for cooking or for industrial purposes. The plant is also used as bird feed, and the high oil content of the seeds makes it a popular choice for feeding birds during the winter months.
In Ethiopian traditional medicine, Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori is used to treat a wide range of illnesses such as fever, coughs, pneumonia, and liver disease.
General Appearance
The small-headed Noug plant is an annual herb that grows up to a height of 1m, and has leaves that are opposite and lanceolate in shape. The flowers are small, and yellow in color, and are closely packed together to form a head. The fruits of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori are small, flattened achenes that are rich in oil.
Light Requirements
The plant Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori prefers full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to flourish. Lack of proper sunlight exposure may result in stunted growth and poor flower production in this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. It is well adapted to arid and semi-arid areas that experience high day temperatures and low night temperatures. Frost and extreme temperatures below 10°C may damage this plant, resulting in reduced yield and low-quality flowers.
Soil Requirements
The plant Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori requires well-draining, rich, and fertile soils for proper growth. It prefers loamy soils with good organic matter content that retain moisture but do not become waterlogged. Soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for this plant. Avoid planting Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori in heavy clay soils or shallow soils as they may hinder the growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori
Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori, also known as niger seed, is a robust annual plant that is grown for its oil-rich seeds. It grows well in a warm, sunny environment and tolerates a wide range of soil types, from heavy clay to sandy soils. The following are some cultivation guidelines for Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting. The soil pH should be between 6 and 7.5.
- Plant the seeds in late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15.5°C).
- Sow the seeds directly into the soil at a depth of 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) and a spacing of 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
- Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may cause root rot and other diseases.
- Apply organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Thin the plants to a spacing of 12 inches (30 cm) apart once they reach a height of 6 inches (15 cm).
- Harvest the seed heads when they turn brown and start to crack open. Allow the seed heads to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area.
Watering Needs of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori
Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori requires regular watering to ensure the healthy development of the plants. Young plants need more frequent watering than mature ones. Here are some watering guidelines for Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori:
- Water the plants once a week during the growing season.
- Avoid watering the leaves, as this may encourage the growth of fungal diseases.
- Water the plants deeply, so the water reaches the roots, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Reduce the frequency of watering during periods of heavy rain or when the temperature drops below 60°F (15.5°C).
Fertilization of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori
Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori requires adequate nutrients to grow healthy and develop abundant seeds. Here are some fertilization guidelines for Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori:
- Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once the seedlings are established and have grown at least 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application frequency.
- Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plants, avoiding contact with the leaves and stems.
- Water the plants after fertilizing to help absorb the nutrients.
- Apply a high potassium fertilizer during the flowering stage to encourage abundant seed production.
Pruning of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori
Pruning of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori is not necessary, as it is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. However, removing broken stems or damaged leaves can promote the healthy growth of the plant.
Propagation of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori
Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori is usually propagated from seeds, but it can also be propagated by cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori are small and can be sown directly in the ground or in seed trays with fine compost. It is important to ensure that the seeds are sown at the correct depth and in the appropriate season. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days after sowing, and the seedlings can be transplanted after they have reached a height of approximately 5 to 7 cm.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy and mature Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori plant. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season and should be at least 10 cm long. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the stem, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce moisture loss. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a tray filled with fine compost. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a warm, humid area until they have developed a strong root system.
Disease management for Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori
The plant Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori is also known as the Noug or Ramtil plant. It can be affected by several diseases that can impact the growth and productivity of the plant. Disease management is an essential aspect of ensuring healthy growth and yield of the plant.
Fungal diseases:
The most common fungal diseases that affect the Guizotia villosa plant include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot diseases. Powdery mildew presents as a white powdery layer on the leaves, affecting plant growth and yield. Rust is characterized by orange or yellow spots on the leaves and stems of the plant, while leaf spot diseases cause yellowing and death of the leaves.
Fungal diseases can be managed through cultural and chemical means. Cultural methods include planting disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, proper irrigation, and avoiding over-crowding the plants. Chemical methods include applying fungicides such as copper-based and sulfur-based products.
Bacterial diseases:
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf blight and bacterial wilt can also affect the Guizotia villosa plant. Bacterial blight is characterized by water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which later turn yellow and die. Bacterial wilt causes the sudden wilting and death of the plant.
Bacterial diseases can be managed through cultural methods such as planting disease-free seeds and crops and avoiding over-fertilization. Chemical methods such as copper-based bactericides can also be used to manage the diseases.
Pest management for Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori
The Guizotia villosa plant can also be affected by several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce yields. Effective pest management is essential in ensuring the health and productivity of the plant.
Termites:
Termites can cause significant damage to the plant, affecting its growth and yield. The pests feed on the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and wilting.
Pest management for termites entails regular inspections of the plant to detect infestations. The use of physical barriers such as tree collars and chemical treatments such as insecticides can also effectively manage the pests.
Leaf-eating insects:
Leaf-eating insects such as caterpillars and aphids can also cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and buds. This can impact the growth and yield of the plant.
The use of insecticides such as neem oil and pyrethroids can effectively manage leaf-eating insects. Cultural methods such as removing infected plant parts can also help manage the pests.
Overall, regular monitoring of the Guizotia villosa Sch.Bip. var. microcephala Chiov. ex Fiori plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation is critical in ensuring timely and effective management to prevent yield loss and plant damage.
