Description of Sesamum dinteri Schinz Plant
Sesamum dinteri Schinz is a plant with many common names. It is known as the white sesame, abzed, Benin sesame, Nigerian sesame, or forest sesame in various parts of the world. This plant belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. It is a woody annual herb that can reach up to two meters in height.
Origins of Sesamum dinteri Schinz
Sesamum dinteri Schinz is native to Africa and is commonly found in tropical regions. It has been found to grow in countries such as Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Tanzania
Uses of Sesamum dinteri Schinz
Sesamum dinteri Schinz has numerous uses, among which include food production, traditional medicine, and industrial applications.
The seeds of this plant are rich in oil and are used to produce cooking oil, margarine, and cosmetics. The oil is also used in traditional medicine, and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant's stem and leaves can be cooked as a vegetable in some African countries. In addition, the plant also has industrial applications, and its fibers are used to make paper, textiles, and ropes.
General appearance of Sesamum dinteri Schinz
Sesamum dinteri Schinz is a tall, erect plant with a woody stem. Its leaves are broad and lance-shaped, and are arranged in an alternate pattern on the stem. The flowers of the plant are small and are usually white or pale yellow in color. The fruit of the plant is a pod that contains the seeds.
Overall, Sesamum dinteri Schinz is a versatile plant with numerous uses. Its oil, fibers, and leaves are all utilized in various industries, making it an important crop in many parts of Africa.
Light Conditions
The plant Sesamum dinteri Schinz requires full sunlight to grow and flourish. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day for proper photosynthesis to take place. It is advisable to grow this plant in open areas where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Sesamum dinteri Schinz is between 20°C to 30°C. It requires warm temperatures for germination, and the seedlings need to be protected from frost. It is best to grow this plant in a warm climate where the temperature does not drop too low, as the plant cannot tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant Sesamum dinteri Schinz requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5 for better growth and yield. The plant can grow in various soils like sandy, loamy, or clayey soils, as long as they are well-drained. It is recommended to add compost or manure to the soil to increase soil fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Sesamum dinteri Schinz, also known as Ethiopian sesame, is a warm-weather crop that requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure to thrive. It is usually grown from seeds, which should be sowed at a depth of 1 inch and 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. The best time for planting is between June to July when the soil temperature is around 70°F to 80°F.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth of Sesamum dinteri Schinz. The crop requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moderately moist, but not water-logged. The best watering schedule is to irrigate the crop once every two or three days, depending on the weather conditions. However, caution should be taken to avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to improve soil fertility, and it also provides the necessary nutrients for the proper growth of the crop. Before planting, it is advisable to add well-composted manure or organic fertilizers such as bone meal, blood meal, or fish emulsion to the soil. These should be mixed well with the soil before planting. During the growing season, the crop should be fertilized once or twice with nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea or ammonium nitrate. This should be done at least four weeks after planting and repeated after six weeks.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to increase the productivity of the crop and improve the quality of the seeds. To promote bushy growth, the first pruning should be done when the plant reaches a height of 8-10 inches, leaving only two or three of the strongest stems. Subsequent pruning should be done as soon as the plant forms its first set of leaves. The aim is to keep the plant compact and encourage branching. It is also important to remove any yellow or diseased leaves and ensure proper aeration of the plant.
Propagation of Sesamum dinteri Schinz
Sesamum dinteri Schinz, commonly known as Dinter’s Sesame or Mountain Sesame, is a perennial wild species indigenous to the highlands of Ethiopia and Tanzania. It is an important oilseed crop that is often grown as a subsistence crop by small-scale farmers. Propagation of Sesamum dinteri Schinz can be done through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Sesamum dinteri Schinz is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are small and flat, with a yellow, tan, or brownish color. The seeds are collected from mature Sesamum dinteri Schinz pods that have dried on the plant. The pods are crushed, and the seeds are separated from the debris by winnowing. The seeds are then sown in well-prepared and fertilized seedbeds in rows or broadcasted. The seeds should be covered with a light layer of soil. Germination of the seeds usually takes about 7-10 days, depending on the prevailing environmental conditions.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Sesamum dinteri Schinz is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings from vegetative parts of the plant should be taken early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cool and humid. The stem cuttings should be about 10-15 centimeters long and free from disease and pests. The leaves on the lower one-third of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in hormone powder. The cuttings are then planted in well-prepared soil in rows and kept moist by watering frequently. The cuttings will usually take root in about 2-3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Sesamum dinteri Schinz can also be propagated through division, primarily during the plant’s active growth period. The roots and rhizomes should be carefully separated from the parent plant, ensuring that each division has a suitable amount of roots attached. The divisions should then be planted in well-prepared soil in rows and watered regularly. The plant will establish in about 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum dinteri Schinz
Sesamum dinteri Schinz, commonly known as wild sesame, is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to Africa. While fairly hardy, the plant can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management is crucial for ensuring a healthy crop and a good yield. Below are some common diseases and pests that can affect Sesamum dinteri Schinz and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases:
Fungal leaf spot: Symptoms include small, dark spots on the leaves that eventually merge and form large, irregular patches. Fungal leaf spot can be controlled by regular leaf removal and fungicidal sprays.
Ganoderma root rot: This disease causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. It can be controlled by removing infected plants and avoiding planting new crops in the same area.
Charcoal rot: Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and premature plant death. This disease can be treated by applying fungicides and planting resistant varieties.
Common Pests:
Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant sap and can cause stunted growth and deformation of leaves. Aphids can be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cutworms: These caterpillars can cause severe damage by cutting the stems of young plants. Cutworms can be managed by using physical barriers like collars around the plant stems and applying insecticidal sprays.
Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant sap and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Spider mites can be treated by spraying with miticides and increasing the humidity around the plants.
Overall, prevention is the key to effective pest and disease management in Sesamum dinteri Schinz. Regular monitoring of the plants, timely removal of infected material, and use of appropriate control methods can help keep this crop healthy and productive.
