Overview
Sesamum schenckii Asch. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. It is a wild-growing plant that is commonly found in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia.
Common Names
The plant goes by several common names in different parts of the world. In Ethiopia, it is known as "Tikur Enkoko," which means "little chicken" in Amharic. In other regions, it is referred to as "wild sesame" or "African sesame."
Uses
Sesamum schenckii has several uses. The plant's seeds are edible and can be consumed raw or roasted. The seeds are also commonly used to extract oil, which is used for cooking, lighting, and cosmetic purposes.
In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat a wide range of ailments, including skin infections, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders. The plant's leaves and stem are also used to make a tea that is believed to be an effective treatment for malaria.
Aside from its medicinal and culinary uses, Sesamum schenckii is also used for soil erosion control and as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
Sesamum schenckii is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are green, narrow, and elongated with a pointed tip and can grow up to 15 centimeters long. The flowers of the plant are white, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Light Conditions
Being a subtropical plant, Sesamum schenckii Asch. requires a considerable amount of full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It is ideal to cultivate the plant in a place where there is an abundance of light for several hours of the day to ensure proper photosynthesis rates. However, it is also important to make sure that the plant is not exposed to extreme heat conditions, which can lead to sunburned leaves and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
Sesamum schenckii Asch. prefers warm temperatures ranging between 25-30°C for optimal growth. Temperatures below 18°C can lead to stunted growth and even death, while temperatures above 35°C can cause damage to the plant's tissues and ultimately lead to its death. The plant is also sensitive to frost, which can be detrimental to its growth and development and can even kill it.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, light-textured soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. Soil fertility is also essential for the plant's growth, and it requires adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth and development. However, excessive nutrient uptake can lead to lodging and reduced yield. Additionally, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging and requires adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Cultivation of Sesamum schenckii Asch.
Sesamum schenckii Asch, also known as wild sesame, is a herbaceous plant that is native to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is commonly cultivated for its edible seeds, which can be either toasted or used in the production of sesame oil. To cultivate this plant successfully, you need to follow certain guidelines.
Watering needs
Sesamum schenckii Asch does well in well-draining soil, but it requires regular watering to thrive. During the growing season, you should ensure that the soil remains moist at all times, but not waterlogged. Irrigate heavily but infrequently since the plant can rot easily when waterlogged.
Fertilization
Sesamum schenckii Asch is not a heavy feeder, but it does require some fertilization to grow well. Nitrogen is essential for the development of the above-ground parts of the plant. You can provide your plant with a balanced fertilizer to ensure it grows healthy. A good rule of thumb is to apply the fertilizer twice in the growing season.
Pruning
Sesamum schenckii Asch does not require significant pruning. However, you can remove dead or dying leaves or stems to promote the growth of healthy ones. You can also prune the plant if you notice that it has become too tall or leggy. Prune only once or twice in the growing season.
Propagation of Sesamum Schenckii Asch.
The plant Sesamum schenckii Asch. is commonly known as the Mingrelian or West Georgian sesame. It is mostly propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Sesamum schenckii Asch. is through seeds. The plant produces different seeds, which are collected during the harvesting period. The seeds should be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season.
The seeds should be planted in well-prepared, fertile soil. The soil should be well-draining and have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The seeds should be sown to a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced 30-40 cm apart. The ideal planting time is in early spring or at the beginning of the rainy season.
The seeds take about 7 to 10 days to germinate. After germination, the seedlings can be thinned so that they are spaced about 10 cm apart. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination period, but care should be taken not to overwater the seeds.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagating Sesamum schenckii Asch. is through cuttings. This method is less common but can be effective. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the early spring or at the beginning of the rainy season.
The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be taken from the base of the plants. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and then planted in well-prepared, fertile soil. The soil should be well-draining and have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
The cuttings should be planted to a depth of about 2-3 cm and spaced about 30-40 cm apart. Care should be taken to keep the soil moist during the rooting period, but care should be taken not to overwater the cuttings. The cuttings take about 2 to 3 weeks to root and can be transplanted to their permanent location after about 6 to 8 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum Schenckii Asch.
Sesamum Schenckii Asch. is a type of plant that is highly susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. It is crucial that proper disease and pest management steps be taken in order to protect the integrity of the plant and ensure a healthy growth and yield.
Common Pests
Some common pests that may affect Sesamum Schenckii Asch. include spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Two-spotted spider mites are perhaps the most significant pest, as they can quickly spread across the entire crop and become a massive problem. These pests cause a reduction in the plant's photosynthetic ability, which can ultimately lead to stunted growth and a lower yield.
Pest Management
Effective pest management practices should begin with a thorough inspection of the plant. Early detection of pests can help in mitigating their damage and preventing further spread. It is also important to properly monitor plant growth conditions such as humidity and ventilation, as these factors can easily influence pest infestation. Additionally, controlling the populations of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can help in curbing pest numbers, as they are natural enemies of spider mites and aphids respectively. Finally, chemical interventions may be necessary in extreme cases, but it is crucial that the chemicals be safe and selectively targeted towards the pests.
Common Diseases
Sesamum Schenckii Asch. can be affected by a number of infections and diseases such as fusarium wilt, root rot, and leaf spots, among others. Fusarium wilt is a particularly challenging disease that results in the wilting and eventual death of plants. Root rot, on the other hand, is caused by the fungi Pythium and Rhizoctonia and can result in darkened roots and general plant decay.
Disease Management
Disease management techniques involve proper sanitation practices such as removing and destroying infected plants as soon as they are detected to prevent the spread of pathogens. Additionally, the use of disease-resistant cultivars can be an effective prevention mechanism. It is also recommended to maintain good soil health and drainage systems in order to prevent the growth of fungi that cause root rot. Cultural practices such as crop rotation can also help to break the cycle of disease growth. Finally, the use of chemical pesticides may be necessary in severe cases where other interventions have failed, but again, care should be taken to ensure that the chemicals used are safe and selectively targeted towards the particular disease being treated.
