Overview of Sesamum Abbreviatum Merxm.
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Sesamum genus in the Pedaliaceae family. This plant is commonly known as wild sesame or short-seed sesame, and is native to Africa, specifically in areas of Sudan and Ethiopia.
General Appearance
This plant generally grows to a height of 20-50cm and has a slender stem. Its leaves are alternate, oblong, and grow up to 7cm long and 1.5cm wide. The flowers of Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. are hermaphroditic, small, and white in color. The fruits are capsules that contain small, dark colored seeds.
Uses of Sesamum Abbreviatum Merxm.
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is a highly valued plant because of its oil-rich seeds. The seeds of this plant are used for preparing tasty and nutritious food items, such as bread, cakes, and pastries. The oil extracted from the seeds is also popularly used in cooking and in the production of soaps and cosmetics. The plant has also been used to treat some ailments in traditional medicine, including coughs and colds.
Asides from being useful in industries and medicine, Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. also serves as a useful cover crop due to its fast growth and hardy nature. Its deep roots help to reduce soil erosion and promote soil health.
Conclusion
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is a highly valued plant due to its nutritious seed and oil-rich properties. The plant has proven to be versatile, offering benefits in industries and serving ecological functions in agriculture. Despite being a wild variety of Sesame, its global demand and adaptability may eventually lead to its cultivation in other parts of the world.
Light Requirements
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. typically requires full sun or partial shade to grow. In areas with hot summers, partial shade may be necessary to prevent the plants from wilting. It is important that the plants receive at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. requires warm temperatures for successful growth. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can stunt the plant's growth and cause yellowing of leaves. Freezing temperatures can be fatal for this plant species. It is commonly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions where the temperatures remain warm throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. are moderate. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH level should be between 6 and 7.5. The soil should be free from pests and pathogens. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but thrives well in moist soil. Excessive waterlogging can lead to root rot and must be avoided.
Cultivation methods for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm.
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid environments. It is commonly grown for its oil-rich seeds, which are used in cosmetic products, cooking oils, and flavorings. The plant can be grown from seed or transplanted seedlings.
Plant the seeds or seedlings in a location that receives ample sunlight. The soil should be well-draining and have good fertility. Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. grows best in loamy soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. For optimum growth and yield, the soil should be properly prepared, tilling and loosening the soil to a depth of 20 cm or more.
Space the plants 30-40 cm apart to allow for proper growth. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth. Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is drought tolerant and can withstand short periods of dry weather. However, regular watering is recommended to maximize seed production..
Watering needs for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm.
Watering is important for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. to produce an abundant crop. Watering the plants regularly can improve growth and productivity. The ideal time to water is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can cause root rot, stunted growth, or even plant death.
The amount of water needed varies depending on the plant's stage of growth, temperature, and humidity. Young plants require more frequent watering than mature plants. During the vegetative stage, water the plants once every three days or as required. Once the plants start flowering, reduce the frequency to once a week, ensuring that the topsoil remains moist at all times.
Fertilization for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm.
The application of fertilizers is key to boosting yields, enhancing plant quality, and improving plant resistance to diseases. Apply organic or inorganic fertilizer is regularly while avoiding overfertilization. The best time to apply the fertilizer is during planting or early vegetative stage, and late in the flowering stage.
For top dressing in the vegetative stage, apply 20-30 g/plant nitrogen fertilizer, while in the flowering stage, top-dress the plant with 50-60 g/plant superphosphate. Regular application of well-decomposed manure or compost can also improve soil structure and fertility, resulting in higher yields.
Pruning for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm.
Pruning can help improve plant structure, reduce plant height, and control disease or pest infestation. Prune Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. around the third week before flowering, removing any dead, damaged or diseased branches or extraneous vegetation.
Remove lower branches during the growing phase to improve air flow in the plant canopy. This reduces humidity, which reduces the risk of disease as well as aids in the flower's drying process. It is also recommended to remove branches and leaves that have mildew appearing, to prevent the overall spread of the disease.
Prune the plants back after three weeks of flowering to discourage secondary flowering and encourage seed maturation. Always use clean and disinfected pruning tools, to avoid spreading soil-borne diseases.
Propagation of Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm.
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is a plant species belonging to the family Pedaliaceae. It is an annual herb, up to 1 meter in height, that is commonly grown for its oil-rich seeds. There are two main methods of propagation for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm.:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and efficient method for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. Seeds should be sown in a well-prepared and fertilized soil bed with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. A recommended seeding rate is 2-3 kg per hectare. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm in rows 30-40 cm apart. When the seedlings reach a height of 10-15 cm, they should be thinned to a spacing of 10-15 cm. Seed propagation of Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is advantageous because it ensures that the soil is not contaminated with diseases or pests, as seedlings are grown in sterile soil. Additionally, seed propagation ensures genetic purity, as plants grow true to their parent plants.
Vegatative Propagation
Vegetative propagation, also known as asexual propagation, is a method of propagation that results in plants with identical genetic characteristics as the parent plant. However, this method is not commonly used for Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. because it is an annual plant that readily produces seeds. Additionally, propagating Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. vegetatively can be difficult because the cutting often lacks a well-developed root system as the plant has a taproot system. Therefore, seed propagation is the ideal method for propagating Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm.
Disease Management
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is susceptible to various diseases that can cause considerable damage. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant and can spread quickly through the soil. It can be challenging to control, but applying fungicides and planting resistant varieties can help manage it.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves of the plant. Infected leaves develop yellowish-brown spots, which can coalesce and cause defoliation. To manage leaf spot, farmers should use fungicides and ensure proper plant spacing to improve air circulation.
- Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium that attacks the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. It can be challenging to control, but farmers can manage it by practicing crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and using copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Sesamum abbreviatum Merxm. is also vulnerable to various insect pests. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Farmers can manage this pest by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These larvae are nocturnal and can chew on the stems, causing the plant to wilt or die. Farmers can manage this pest by placing collars made of cardboard around young plants or using insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Whiteflies: These tiny, sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage this pest, farmers can use yellow sticky traps, release parasitic wasps, or use insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrins.
It is crucial to regularly check for pests and diseases in the field and take appropriate measures to prevent further damage. Proper sanitation, crop rotation, and using resistant varieties can also help control pests and diseases.
