Origin of Sesamum Biapiculatum De Wild.
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae, the same family that the sesame plant belongs to. It is native to the African continent and is commonly found in countries such as Nigeria, Sudan, and Chad.
Common Names of Sesamum Biapiculatum De Wild.
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. is commonly referred to as the African wild sesame or the two-tipped sesame. In Nigeria, the plant is known as “iramogun” in the Yoruba language, while in Sudan, it is called “addas” in the Arabic language.
Uses of Sesamum Biapiculatum De Wild.
The plant has a wide range of uses. In Nigeria, the seeds are used for making a type of porridge known as “ogi”, while in Sudan, it is used to make tea. The seeds are also used as a spice in cooking and for making oil. The leaves and stems can be used to treat certain medical conditions such as stomach pains and hemorrhoids. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional African medicine to treat malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.
General Appearance of Sesamum Biapiculatum De Wild.
The Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. plant is an annual herb that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has a single stem, with branches that have alternating leaves which are about 5-7 cm long. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a capsule containing the seeds. The seeds are small, ovoid and brown, and are about 2-3 mm in size.
Typical Growth Conditions for Sesamum Biapiculatum De Wild.
Light: Sesamum biapiculatum is a tropical plant that thrives in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to grow effectively. Planting where the plant is likely to receive full sun is therefore important in achieving the best growth rates and producing the best yields.
Temperature: Sesamum biapiculatum requires warm temperatures to thrive. An average temperature of around 20-30 degrees Celsius (68-86 degrees Fahrenheit) is preferred for optimal growth. Temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius may stunt the growth of Sesamum biapiculatum and, in severe conditions, damage the plant's growth permanently. Lower temperatures also increase the plant's susceptibility to disease.
Soil requirements: Sesamum biapiculatum grows well in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH level of around 6-7.5. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and have good water holding potential. Heavy clay soils should be avoided if possible due to the reduced drainage potential, which may cause waterlogging. Proper soil preparation by clearing weed, adding organic manure and tilling the field to achieve the desired tilth is critical in ensuring optimal seedling growth and the general health of the plant.
Irrigation: This plant requires regular and adequate irrigation throughout its growth stages, especially during its first few weeks after planting. Insufficient water will cause the plant to wilt, stunt growth and potentially damage the plant's ability to produce high yields in the future. Therefore, consistent and adequate water supply is essential, especially during the flowering and seed formation stage.
Fertilization: Proper fertilization of Sesamum biapiculatum is critical in achieving optimal growth rates and yields. Before planting, soil testing should be conducted to determine which macro and micronutrients are deficient, and these missing components should be added through the appropriate fertilization regimen. You should avoid overfertilizing this plant because it may lead to nutrient toxicity, which can seriously harm the plant.
By paying attention to these conditions, farmers can effectively produce Sesamum biapiculatum and guarantee optimal growth rates and yields. By taking care of the plant, farmers can also avoid problems related to diseases and pests that could otherwise harm the crop.
Cultivation of Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild.
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. belongs to the family Pedaliaceae and is commonly known as "wild sesame." It is an annual plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is primarily cultivated for its edible seeds and oil. Here are some guidelines for successful cultivation:
- Climate: The ideal temperature range for Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. is between 25-30°C. It is tolerant of drought conditions and can also grow in areas with seasonal rainfall.
- Soil: It thrives in sandy, well-draining soils with a pH of 6-7. It is essential to ensure that the soil is loose and fluffy for better root penetration.
- Sowing: The planting should be done in well-prepared soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2 cm, depending on the size of the seeds. The spacing between the rows should be about 60 cm, while the spacing between the plants should be 10-15 cm.
- Harvesting: Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. should be harvested when about 80% of the capsule walls have turned brown. The plants should be uprooted, tied in small bundles, and hung in a shaded place for drying. After drying, the seeds can be threshed and winnowed.
Watering Needs
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. requires moderate watering. The plant is drought-tolerant, but regular watering during the flowering and seed-setting stages can increase the yield. It is recommended to water the plant every 2-3 days during the initial growth stage and then reduce it toonce a week with the onset of flowering.
Fertilization
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. is not a heavy feeder. However, the addition of some organic matter, such as compost or well-decomposed manure, can improve soil fertility and enhance crop productivity. Nitrogen fertilizers may be applied at the time of sowing and about 30-40 days after sowing.
Pruning
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. doesn't require pruning. However, removing the terminal bud can induce branching and lead to the production of more capsules, thus increasing the seed yield. It is essential to carry out the pruning early in the plant's reproductive growth stage.
Propagation of Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild.
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. is commonly known as the forest sesame plant. It is an annual plant species that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. The plant has a high demand for sunlight, warm climate, and moderately fertile soil for proper growth and propagation.
Propagation methods
The propagation of Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. can be done through various methods which include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. Seeds are collected when the pods start bursting and drying up. The collected seeds are cleaned and treated with a fungicide to prevent any fungal infection. The seeds are then sown in a well-prepared field or nursery bed. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1-2 cm, and spacing between the seeds should be maintained at around 20 cm apart. Germination occurs within 5 to 12 days, and the seedlings are ready to transplant after 3-4 weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is an asexual method of propagating Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. Cuttings are taken from the plant's stem, up to 10 cm long, and are dipped in a rooting hormone powder. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining potting mix in a nursery bed. The cuttings should be watered twice a day to maintain moisture, and the success rate of cuttings depends on the plant's age and environment. The cuttings should be transplanted to the main field after the roots have developed.
Division propagation
Division propagation involves separating the plant into two or more parts. This method is suitable for mature plants of Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. that have multi-stemmed growth and dense branching. The plants are dug out of the soil and the rootball is divided into equal parts. Each part is then planted in well-prepared soil or a potting mix, and watering should be done regularly for them to grow.
In conclusion, the propagation methods of Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild. are easy and straightforward. By following the right steps, propagating the plant can result in healthy and vigorous seedlings for planting in the main field or a garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild.
Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild, commonly known as wild sesame, is an annual herbaceous plant grown for its edible seeds and oil. Like any other crop, it is prone to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not managed effectively. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and eventually plant death. It spreads quickly through soil, water, and infected seeds.
Management: Crop rotation, using healthy seeds, and avoiding over-watering can help prevent the disease. Additionally, farmers can use fungicides to control the spread of the fungus.
2. Leaf spot: This is a bacterial or fungal infection that causes small brown or black spots on leaves. The spots can coalesce, causing leaf yellowing and defoliation.
Management: Farmers should avoid overhead irrigation, practice crop rotation, and use pathogen-free seeds. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used to control the disease.
3. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by several pathogens. It causes wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth.
Management: Farmers should avoid overwatering, plant resistant cultivars and use clean seeds. Additionally, soil fumigation and fungicide applications can help control root rot.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing curling and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and transmitting viruses.
Management: Farmers can use natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control aphids. Additionally, insecticidal soaps and oils can be used to manage larger infestations.
2. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies or moths that feed on plant leaves, causing defoliation and reduced yields.
Management: Handpicking and destroying the caterpillars, using Bacillus thuringiensis, or planting trap crops such as marigolds and onions can help control caterpillar populations.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck sap from plants, causing yellowing of leaves and vectoring plant viruses.
Management: Farmers can use sticky traps, insecticidal soaps, and oils to control whiteflies. Additionally, planting companion crops such as basil and mint can repel whiteflies.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Sesamum biapiculatum De Wild requires proactive and integrated pest management strategies. The use of cultural practices, resistant cultivars, biological control, and chemical control, if necessary, can help farmers minimize crop losses and maximize yields.
