Overview of Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm.
Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm., commonly known as the gibbous sesame, is a plant species of the family Pedaliaceae. This plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically to countries such as Chad, Central African Republic, and Uganda. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to a meter high. The plant has a highly branched stem and produces a profusion of yellow to pinkish-purple flowers.
Appearance of Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm.
The plant Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm. has a unique appearance with a highly branched stem. It can grow up to one meter high, and the stems are light green in color. The plant produces lanceolate leaves that are light green and arranged alternately. The flowers are borne on terminal racemes, and each flower is about 2-3 cm long. The plant produces capsule fruits which are round and about 1.5 cm in diameter. The seeds inside the capsule are small, black and shiny.
Uses of Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm.
The gibbous sesame is an important crop for some African communities. It is grown mainly for its edible seeds, which are used for oil extraction, food, and medicine. The seeds are high in oil content, up to 50%, and the oil is predominantly unsaturated fats, making it a healthier cooking oil compared to other vegetable oils. Apart from culinary uses, the oil is also used in the production of cosmetics and lubricants. Besides its economic importance, Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm. has also been used traditionally as a herbal remedy for various ailments, such as constipation, asthma, and hypertension.
Typical Growth Conditions of Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm.
Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm is one of the species of sesame plants that are native to Africa. Like other members of the genus Sesamum, it is an annual or perennial plant that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae.
Light Requirements
Sesame plants generally require a lot of sunlight for optimal growth and productivity. Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm is not an exception. The plant does well in areas with full sunlight exposure. Therefore, it is advisable to plant Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm in an open space with direct sunlight exposure, such as a clear field or garden.
Temperature Requirements
Just like most plants, Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm requires specific temperature ranges for healthy growth and development. The optimal temperature range for the plant is between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89.6°F). At these temperature ranges, the plant can produce bountifully and is less susceptible to pest and disease infestations. But at low temperatures, the plant can become dormant, while at high temperatures, it can stunt or even die.
Soil Requirements
The soil type upon which Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm grows can significantly influence its productivity and vigor. The plant prefers fertile and well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0. However, it can tolerate a wide variety of soil types, provided they are free from waterlogging and excessive salinity. The plant can also benefit from regular application of organic fertilizers to improve nutrient availability and overall soil structure.
Cultivation Method
Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm., also known as wild sesame, is a hardy plant that can tolerate different soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. The plant is best grown in warm areas with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Growers can propagate the plant through seeds or cuttings. Seed propagation involves planting the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm and maintaining a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants.
Watering Needs
Wild sesame plants require adequate watering to promote proper growth and development. The plant should receive water regularly, especially during the hot and dry seasons. However, the soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The plants also benefit from mulching to conserve soil moisture and protect against weed growth.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is vital for the healthy growth and flowering of Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm.. It is recommended to use a balanced fertiliser with a ratio of 7:14:7 NPK or a fertilizer with high potassium content. Fertiliser applications can be made in two splits. The first application is made at four weeks after planting, and the second application is made eight weeks after planting. Growers can apply fertiliser in the soil or through foliar spray.
Pruning
Wild Sesame plants do not require regular pruning. However, growers can prune the plant to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. Pruning can also be useful in promoting bushier growth and increasing the yield. When pruning, it is essential to use clean and sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation methods of Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm.
Sesamum gibbosum Bremek. & Oberm., also known as the African sesame or Benin sesame, is a plant that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. This plant is native to West Africa and its seeds are commonly used to produce oil. To propagate Sesamum gibbosum, there are two main methods:
Seed propagation
The first propagation method is through seeds. Sesamum gibbosum seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or summer. It's important to prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1-2 cm and spaced about 10-15 cm apart. After planting, the seeds should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which generally takes between 7-21 days depending on the temperature and soil conditions.
Seedlings should be thinned out to ensure adequate space for growth, leaving only one stem per planting hole. Once they have reached a height of about 10 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. It's important to continue watering and fertilizing the plants throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and a good yield.
Cutting propagation
The second propagation method is through cuttings. This method is usually used for commercial production to maintain specific cultivars. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with well-developed root systems in the early morning before the heat of the day has set in. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long, taken from the middle part of the stem, and should include at least two leaves.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth and then planted into soil mixtures consisting of equal parts of peat moss and perlite or sand. The soil mixture should be damp but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid place, such as a greenhouse or propagator, until they have formed roots.
Once the roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location in the field. It's important to continue watering and fertilizing the plants throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and a good yield.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum gibbosum
Sesamum gibbosum, or the Benin sesame, is a plant that is prone to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management strategies are essential to growing this crop. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Sesamum gibbosum and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes wilting of the plant, stunted growth, and ultimately death. To manage Fusarium wilt, it is crucial to plant resistant varieties and avoid planting in contaminated soils. Crop rotation with non-related plants is also advisable.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot manifests as small, black or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. This disease can reduce the plant's photosynthetic ability and weaken it. Ensure that the fields are well-drained and avoid watering the leaves. In severe cases, treatment with fungicides might be necessary.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another fungal disease that causes the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. It also causes twig blight and reduces yield. Cultural practices such as proper spacing, pruning, and regular field sanitation can help manage anthracnose. Chemical treatments can also be used if the damage is severe.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing and stunting of the plant. To manage aphids, physical removal, the use of insecticidal soap, and the selection of resistant varieties can help. Ladybugs and lacewings also prey on aphids, so encouraging their presence can also help reduce their populations.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to Sesamum gibbosum by feeding on leaves and buds. Biological control such as using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and crop rotation can help prevent caterpillar infestations.
Mites: Mites can be difficult to control because they are tiny and reproduce quickly. Symptoms of mite damage include discolored, mottled, or stippled leaves. To control mites, practices like avoiding water stress, maintaining high humidity, and using acaricides can help prevent their spread.
Implementing integrated pest management strategies that involve cultural, physical, and biological methods are crucial in effectively managing Sesamum gibbosum diseases and pests. Regular scouting of fields, monitoring growth, and early detection can help limit damage and enhance crop yields.
