Introduction
Sesamum schinzianum Asch. is a fascinating plant species found mainly in Southern Africa. It is part of the Sesamum genus and is part of the Pedaliaceae family.
Origin
Sesamum schinzianum Asch. is native to Southern Africa, mainly found in regions such as Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It grows best in places with sandy and well-drained soil, receiving moderate rainfall and plenty of sunlight.
Common Names
Sesamum schinzianum Asch. is commonly known as Namibian wild sesame or Giant Sesame. It is also known as Muteti or Ndumbuti in some parts of Zimbabwe.
Uses
The seeds of the Sesamum schinzianum Asch. plant are edible and have been used by communities in Southern Africa for centuries. They are rich in oil and protein and are often roasted, ground into a paste, or used to make a type of porridge. The oil extracted from the seeds is also used for cooking and as a cosmetic ingredient. Some cultures also use the leaves and stems of the plant for medicinal purposes such as treating fever, indigestion, and skin ailments.
General Appearance
Sesamum schinzianum Asch. is a herbaceous plant that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has a thick stem and large leaves that are deeply lobed and serrated. The flowers are typically white or purple, with a trumpet-like shape and a yellow throat. The seed pods are long and slender, containing small seeds that are oval and flattened.
Light Requirements
Sesamum schinzianum Asch. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. The seeds should be sown in a location where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of adequate sunlight may lead to stunted growth and reduced crop yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging between 25 and 30°C. The optimum temperature range for growth and development is between 27 and 29°C. Temperatures below 16°C and above 38°C may severely damage the plant, leading to poor yield.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. However, soils that are too heavy or waterlogged are not suitable for growth and development of Sesamum schinzianum Asch. Prior to planting, it is recommended to conduct a soil test to determine the soil's nutrient composition and pH for optimal growth and yield.
Cultivation of Sesamum schinzianum Asch.
Sesamum schinzianum Asch., also known as Ethiopian sesame, is a native plant of Ethiopia. It can grow in various soil types but preferable in well-drained, fertile soils. The best time to cultivate Ethiopian sesame is from March to May when the rainy season starts. The planting spacing should be 60 cm by 10 cm or 75 cm by 10 cm. It is crucial to plant the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm.
Watering needs of Sesamum schinzianum Asch.
The plant requires enough water during germination and early growth stages. During this period, you need to water the plant regularly, especially if there is no rainfall. However, after the plant has established, it can withstand periods of water stress. The best watering practice is to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization of Sesamum schinzianum Asch.
To get the best yield, it is advisable to apply a well-balanced fertilizer. Before planting, it is good to apply 16:16:8 compound fertilizers at the rate of 100-150 kg per hectare. After germination, you can apply nitrogenous fertilizer such as urea at the rate of 30-40 kg per hectare. It is also essential to apply potassium-based fertilizer at the pod formation stage.
Pruning of Sesamum schinzianum Asch.
Sesame plant does not require significant pruning. However, pruning can help to reduce the incidence of diseases and improve plant growth. The best time to prune the plant is when it reaches a height of 10 cm. You can remove the branches that grow below the first finger leaf or to the first node. It is also crucial to remove the diseased or pest-infected part of the plant to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Sesamum Schinzianum Asch.
Sesamum schinzianum Asch., also known as Ethiopian Sesame, is a plant species native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. This plant belongs to the Sesamum genus, which contains around 20 species of flowering plants.
Propagation of Sesamum schinzianum Asch. can be done through different methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Sesamum schinzianum Asch. is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and later transplanted into the field.
To ensure successful germination, the seeds should be soaked in water for a few hours before planting. They should then be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced at least 5 cm apart. Optimum germination temperature ranges from 20-30°C, and it takes about 1-2 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Sesamum schinzianum Asch. through stem cuttings is less common but still an effective method. The cuttings are taken from the parent plant, treated with rooting hormone, and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded area to avoid excessive transpiration. After a few weeks, roots will start to form, and the new plants can be transplanted into the field.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more sophisticated method of propagating Sesamum schinzianum Asch. This method involves growing the plant in a sterile, laboratory-controlled environment, where it is exposed to specific growth hormones and nutrients to promote growth and development.
Tissue culture propagation is ideal for mass production of Sesamum schinzianum Asch. seedlings with desirable traits. This method, however, requires specialized equipment and expertise, so it is not commonly used by farmers.
In conclusion, Sesamum schinzianum Asch. can be propagated through seed, stem cuttings, and tissue culture methods, providing various options for growers to choose from.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum schinzianum Asch.
Sesamum schinzianum Asch. is a crop that is affected by many diseases and pests throughout its growth stages. Effective disease and pest management are critical for a healthy crop and a high yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Sesamum schinzianum Asch. is bacterial leaf spot. This disease occurs in warmer and moist conditions and leads to small, dark spots on the leaves. The use of bacterial-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and practices that reduce humidity, such as avoiding overhead irrigation, can help prevent this disease.
Fusarium wilt is another disease that affects the crop. It causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, and it is spread through contaminated water and soil. The control measures for this disease include crop rotation, solarization of the soil, and the use of disease-free seeds.
Common Pests
The common pests that affect Sesamum schinzianum Asch. include aphids, thrips, and stem borers. Aphids cause stunted growth, curled leaves, and yellowing of the plant, whereas thrips cause the formation of dead tissue and discoloration. Stem borers cause damage to the stem and can ultimately lead to the death of the plant.
Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an effective way to manage pests in Sesamum schinzianum Asch. IPM involves using natural predators, crop rotation, and the removal of infected plant matter to prevent pest infestations. Additionally, the use of insecticides should be minimal and only necessary when other methods have failed.
In conclusion, disease and pest management play a significant role in the cultivation of Sesamum schinzianum Asch. Effective management strategies such as the use of disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and IPM can help farmers grow healthy crops and achieve high yields.
