Overview
Sesamum alatum Thonn., also known as Wild Sesame, is a plant species that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. The plant is commonly grown in different parts of Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Sudan, among others.
Appearance
The plant has a bushy habit with a height of about 50-150 cm. Its stems are erect and bushy, while its leaves are ovate, measuring about 2–10 cm long and 1–5 cm wide. The plant has a unique feature characterized by broad wing-like bracts that subtend its branches, an aspect that differentiates it from other Sesame species. Its flowers are bluish-purple or sometimes white, measuring about 1.5 - 3 cm long and are arranged in a raceme inflorescence on a stalk blooming that are variable.
Common Names
The plant has many common names such as Wild Sesame, Assugastru-gwaza, Bakakara, Chanti, Gado, Iffalanga, Innam, Katakata, Musa-wuba, Rishiya, Rona, Saghowo, Seedendeleh, Sindali, Tàchá-wùra, Turawa and Zogwi-gingia among others.
Uses
The seeds of Sesamum alatum Thonn. are commonly used for their nutritional and medicinal value. The seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, protein, and minerals such as copper, manganese, and magnesium. Its oil extract has been used for several medicinal practices such as wound healing and as a treatment of respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal pain, and control of menstrual flow. The plant has a useful purpose of soil erosion control and the prevention of desertification in some African areas due to its deep-rooted nature and seed production ability. Additionally, the plant is used for making traditional attire and as ornamental plants in some cultures.
Light Requirements
Sesamum alatum Thonn. is a plant that requires full sunlight for its proper growth and development. It is recommended to place the plant in an area where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. A lack of sufficient light may result in slow growth and stunted development.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Sesamum alatum Thonn. growth is between 25°C to 35°C. The plant can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but it may reduce its productivity. Low temperatures below 20°C can cause growth retardation and ultimately cause the plant to die.
Soil Requirements
Sesamum alatum Thonn. grows well in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile and with adequate organic matter to ensure proper nourishment of the plant. Excessive moisture retention in the soil can adversely affect plant growth, leading to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation of Sesamum alatum Thonn.
Sesamum alatum Thonn. is commonly known as beniseed or benni and is an economically important crop. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows well in areas where the temperature ranges between 20°C to 35°C.
Watering Needs
Sesamum alatum Thonn. needs moderate water throughout its growth stages. The amount of water required depends on the climate, soil type, and stage of growth. During the germination and early growth stages, it requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Once the plant becomes established, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, water stress during the critical growth stages may reduce yield.
Fertilization
The plant requires adequate nutrients to produce a good yield. The best way to provide nutrients is by applying both organic and inorganic fertilizers. The recommended fertilizer rates per hectare are 60-70 kg of nitrogen, 30-40 kg of phosphorus, and 30-40 kg of potassium. The fertilizers should be applied in split doses during the growth stages.
Pruning
Pruning is an important management practice in Sesamum alatum Thonn. It involves removing the dead, diseased, or infected plant material from the plant. It also helps to promote new growth, increase yield, and improve overall plant health. Pruning should be done when the plant is in the vegetative growth stage or early flowering stage. It should be done using sterilized tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Sesamum alatum Thonn.
Sesamum alatum Thonn., commonly known as 'Beniseed', is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. It is native to Africa and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which are used to make oil and various food products. The plant can be propagated through several methods, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Sesamum alatum Thonn. is through the use of seeds. The seeds are generally sown directly into the soil, and seedlings begin to emerge within a week or two. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to aid germination, and any damaged or diseased seeds should be discarded. The best time to sow seeds is during the rainy season, as the plants need ample moisture to grow.
Cutting propagation
Another method of propagating Sesamum alatum Thonn. is through cuttings. This method involves selecting suitable branches for cuttings and planting them in moist soil. The cuttings must be taken from healthy plants, and they should be at least 15 cm long. Before planting, the lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to aid in root development. Watering should be done regularly to keep the soil moist.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a more advanced and complicated method of propagating Sesamum alatum Thonn. It involves taking a small, actively growing piece of tissue from the plant and placing it in a sterile medium to allow for the growth of a new plant. Tissue culture propagation is useful for producing large numbers of identical plants that are disease-free and genetically identical to the parent plant. It requires specialized equipment and expertise, and is usually done in a controlled environment such as a laboratory.
In conclusion, there are several methods of propagating Sesamum alatum Thonn., with seed propagation being the most common. The choice of method depends on various factors such as availability of materials, time, and expertise. Proper care and attention should be given to the plants during propagation to ensure healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum alatum Thonn.
Sesamum alatum Thonn. is a crop that is highly susceptible to diseases and pests. Early detection and proper management of these diseases and pests are crucial to maximizing crop yields. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Sesamum alatum Thonn. and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Root rot: This is a disease that causes the roots of the plant to rot, which affects the uptake of water and nutrients. It is caused by soil-borne fungi. To manage root rot, avoid planting Sesamum alatum Thonn. in waterlogged soils, practice crop rotation, and use disease-free seeds. 2. Leaf spot: This is a disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant, which can lead to defoliation. It is caused by fungi and bacteria. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, use disease-free seeds, and practice good hygiene to avoid the spread of the disease. 3. Fusarium wilt: This is a disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. It is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. To manage Fusarium wilt, practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plants, and use resistant varieties.
Pests
1. Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap out of the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or oils, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, or employ the use of reflective mulches. 2. Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and early leaf drop. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps or oils, reduce dust in the surrounding areas, introduce natural predators such as predatory mites, or use reflective mulches. 3. Cutworms: These are the larvae of various species of moths that feed on the stem of the plant just above the soil line, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers such as collars or screens around the plants, handpick the larvae at night when they are active, or use biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
By properly managing diseases and pests affecting Sesamum alatum Thonn., farmers can achieve healthy and sustainable crop yields.
