Description of Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl.
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is a species of flowering plant in the family of Pedaliaceae, commonly known as the Indian sesame or Benne in the South Eastern part of the United States. The plant is native to Africa and India, and it is cultivated in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, America, and India.
Appearance
This plant species is an annual herb that grows on a branched stem that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, with serrated edges, measuring about 5-10 cm in length and 2-7 cm in width. The flowers are pale lilac or pink, measuring about 2-3 cm in length and solitary or in clusters of 2-4. The fruit is a capsule that is oblong and hairy, measuring about 2-3 cm in length. It contains many small seeds that are oval or flattened, light brown, and shiny, with a smooth surface.
Uses
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is widely used globally, both for its culinary purposes and for its medicinal values. The seeds and oil from sesame have been used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine for several centuries to boost health and immunity. The oil extracted from the seeds is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that improve overall health. It is also used in cooking, baking, and as a flavoring agent. Sesame seeds are added to many dishes, including bread, cakes, salads, and sauces.
In addition to its culinary uses, sesame seeds have many other uses. The oil is used extensively in the production of cosmetics, soaps, and pharmaceuticals. Sesame Oil has been found to be effective in the prevention of oxidative stress, which is responsible for many chronic diseases. Its rich vitamin E content also makes it effective in skincare, making it effective in the treatment of dry skin, acne, and other skin conditions.
Sesame oil is also believed to have many health benefits. Regular consumption of sesame oil or seeds has been found to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and promote cardiovascular health, among other positive effects.
In conclusion, Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is a useful plant species with many benefits to humans and the environment. Its culinary, medicinal, and other uses make it a valuable plant in global trade, with its demand steadily increasing over the years.
Light
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is a crop that requires a lot of sunlight to grow well. It is recommended that the plant should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. This means the plant should be grown in an open field with no obstruction to direct sunlight. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed under grow lights or fluorescent tubes that simulate sunlight. The lack of sufficient light will lead to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Temperature
Temperature is an essential factor in the growth of Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. The plant thrives in warm weather and requires a minimum temperature of 20°C for germination and growth. The optimal temperature range for the growth of the plant is between 25°C and 30°C. When the temperature drops below 20°C, the growth rate of the plant reduces, and it may even die. Therefore, the plant should be grown during the warm season, and proper temperature regulation should be observed using shade nets or other means of temperature regulation.
Soil Requirements
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. requires well-drained soil that is fertile. The soil should be loose, friable, and have good water retention capacity. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 8.0. The addition of organic matter such as compost or manure enhances the soil's fertility and improves the soil structure, making it ideal for the growth of the plant. The plant is also sensitive to soil-borne diseases, so it is recommended to rotate crops regularly to avoid soil depletion and disease buildup.
Cultivation Methods of Sesamum Indicum L. var. Integerrimum Engl.
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is an annual crop that requires well-drained, light sandy soil for cultivation. The seeds are sown directly in the field. Land preparation should be thorough, with a fine seedbed being prepared by tilling and harrowing. The seeds are sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in rows with a spacing of 30-45 cm, and the plant requires full sun exposure for effective growth.
Watering Needs of Sesamum Indicum L. var. Integerrimum Engl.
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. has shallow roots, and it requires moderate to regular watering to thrive well. Watering should be intensified during the hot, dry season, especially when there is a long spell of drought. It is important to maintain a balance between adequate moisture supply and excessive watering that could lead to plant root rot and sluggish growth.
Fertilization of Sesamum Indicum L. var. Integerrimum Engl.
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. requires the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers for optimal growth and yield. Organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure and compost should be applied before land preparation, while inorganic fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in doses during plant growth stages. Over-fertilization should be avoided since it could lead to heavy foliage growth instead of seed yield.
Pruning of Sesamum Indicum L. var. Integerrimum Engl.
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. requires minimal pruning since it is a shrubby plant that requires enough leaves to support the photosynthesis process. However, pruning can be done to remove infested and dead branches and leaves in young plants. Mature plants may also require pruning to remove the old woody branches that affect seed yields. Proper pruning should be done carefully to avoid causing damage to the main stem and branches.
Propagation of Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl.
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is an annual crop that is propagated through different methods. Some of the common methods of propagating the plant include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. This method involves planting seeds in prepared beds or containers. The seeds are first soaked in water for several hours to improve their germination rates.
After soaking the seeds, they are planted in well-draining soil, about 2-3 cm deep. The seeds should be spaced at least 5-10 cm apart to allow room for growth. Seed propagation is preferred when large areas need to be covered, and it is also economical.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. This method involves using stem cuttings, root cuttings, or other plant parts to create new plants. Vegetative propagation is often used when a particular desirable trait is to be preserved in a plant.
Stem cuttings of about 15-20 cm are taken from the mother plant and dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in well-draining soil, where they develop roots and mature into new plants. Vegetative propagation is often used in breeding programs since it can preserve the genetic makeup of the plant.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a relatively new method of propagating Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. This method involves growing plant cells in a laboratory under sterile conditions. It is often used to propagate plants on a large scale and to produce hybrid plants.
The tissue culture process involves taking a small piece of the plant's tissue and placing it in a culture medium that has nutrients and growth regulators. The tissue grows into a mass of cells, which can then be transferred to pots or planting beds to grow into whole plants. Tissue culture propagation can produce a large number of uniform plants in a short time.
Disease Management
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. The common diseases affecting this plant are damping-off, charcoal rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. The following are the management strategies for the diseases:
- Damping-off: To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, maintain proper drainage, and use pathogen-free seeds.
- Charcoal rot: Proper crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and maintaining soil moisture levels can manage this disease.
- Leaf spot: Mulching, removing infected plant debris, and using copper-based fungicides can be useful in managing this disease.
- Powdery mildew: Proper air circulation, adequate spacing between plants, and timely application of fungicides can control the spread of powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Sesamum indicum L. var. integerrimum Engl. is also vulnerable to various pests, including jassids, thrips, aphids, and hairy caterpillars. The following are the management strategies for the pests:
- Jassids and thrips: Use of sticky traps, neem-based insecticides, and insecticidal soap can be effective in controlling jassids and thrips.
- Aphids: Use of ladybugs and lacewings, neem oil, and insecticidal soap can help manage aphids.
- Hairy caterpillars: Removing the caterpillars manually, using pheromone traps, and application of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) can control the spread of hairy caterpillars.
