Overview
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum is a plant species that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. It is commonly known as the Wild Sesame and is found in parts of Africa.
Origin and Distribution
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum is native to Africa and is found in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Aside from Wild Sesame, Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum is also known as Black Sesame, Brown Sesame, Ethiopic Sesame, and African Sesame.
Appearance
The plant grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching a height of up to 1.8 meters. The leaves are green and grow 5-10cm long. The flowers are white, yellow, or purple and grow in clusters. The fruit it produces is a capsule that contains small black seeds.
Uses
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum is known for various uses. In Africa, the seeds are used as a food source for both human and animal consumption. The seeds are also used for their oil, which is used for cooking and in soaps and other cosmetic products. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomachaches, diarrhea, and constipation. In addition, the plant is used for soil improvement and erosion control in some areas.
Light Requirements
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum thrives well under full sunlight exposure. Consequently, it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure proper growth and development. While the plant can grow in partial shade, it may reduce productivity, leading to lower yields.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth and development of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum is between 20-35?. Temperatures below 10? or above 40? may lead to slow growth and delayed maturity. The plant is adapted to grow in tropical and subtropical regions, and thus its growth and development may be limited in colder regions.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The soil should also be fertile and rich in organic matter to provide enough nutrients to the plant. Additionally, the soil should not be too compact or heavy, as it may limit root development and water infiltration. Adequate soil moisture is also essential for proper growth and development of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum.
Cultivation methods
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum, commonly known as the yellow-flowered wild sesame, is a hardy plant that can thrive in semi-arid to arid conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soil with good organic matter, and full sunlight exposure.
For cultivation, the plant can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, or divisions. Seeds should be planted in the early rainy season, with a spacing of 45cm between rows and 15cm between plants. Cuttings and divisions can be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish roots.
Watering needs
Yellow-flowered wild sesame can withstand drought conditions and does not require regular watering once the plant is established. However, it is essential to keep the soil moist during the germination period and the first few weeks of planting.
If rainfall is insufficient, supplementary irrigation should be provided once every two weeks. Waterlogging should be avoided as it may cause root rot.
Fertilization
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum does not require a lot of fertilizer but can benefit from organic compost or well-rotted manure applied annually in the early growing season. The plant can also be fertilized using a balanced NPK fertilizer at the rate of 50g per plant, applied twice during the rainy season.
Pruning
Yellow-flowered wild sesame generally does not require pruning. However, removing dead or damaged branches is essential to maintain the plant's health and shape. It should be done during the plant's dormancy period to avoid exposing the plant to stress.
If the plant is grown for ornamental purposes, it can be pruned to encourage branching and denser growth. Pruning should be done during the early rainy season to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum, also known as Ethiopian sesame, can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum involves collecting seeds from the parent plant. The seeds can then be sown in a nursery or directly into the field. It is important to ensure that the soil is properly prepared, and the seeds are sown at the appropriate depth. Germination usually occurs within 5 to 10 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are about 4 to 6 weeks old.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a suitable medium. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 5 to 8 centimeters long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded location until roots have developed, typically within 2 to 3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This method is best done during the cooler months. Dig up the parent plant, divide it into smaller sections, and replant the sections in the desired location. It is important to ensure that each section has enough roots and shoots to survive on its own.
Disease Management
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, some diseases may affect the plant, including:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease affects the leaves of the plant, causing brown or black spots. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves to wither and die. To control anthracnose, remove and destroy affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a water mold and can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. If the disease occurs, remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. calycinum may also be affected by some pests, including:
- Leafhoppers: These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and mottling of the leaves. To manage leafhoppers, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests also suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and webbing. To control spider mites, wash the plant with a strong spray of water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These pests can cut the stem of the plant, causing it to die. To prevent cutworms, use protective collars around the base of the plant and apply a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil-dwelling bacteria that kills cutworms.
