Origin and Common Names
Sesamum somalense Chiov. belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. It is native to East Africa, specifically involving Somalia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya. This plant species has several common names such as black sesame, wild sesame, and Ethiopian sesame.
General Appearance
This plant species has an upright and branching growth habit. It can reach up to 1.5 meters in height and has a spread of about 0.5 meters. The leaves are lanceolate, with serrated edges, and measure 2-14 cm in length. The flowers of Sesamum somalense Chiov. are white to pinkish in color and are arranged in terminal racemes or panicles measuring 4-15 cm in length. The fruit capsule measures about 3 cm in length, containing several small seeds that are black or yellowish-brown in color, depending on the variety.
Uses
The seeds of Sesamum somalense Chiov. are widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The seeds are a rich source of essential oils, which are used in the production of food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. They are also used in the treatment of various ailments such as constipation, arthritis, and high blood pressure. In addition, the leaves and stems of this plant are used as a vegetable in local cuisines, and the oil extracted from the seeds is used for cooking.
Sesamum somalense Chiov. is also used for soil conservation and as a cover crop due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, increase soil organic matter content, and reduce soil erosion. In addition, the plant is used for reforestation and agroforestry projects in arid and semi-arid regions since it is drought-resistant and can survive in low fertility soil conditions.
Light Requirements:
Sesamum somalense Chiov. is a plant that requires a substantial amount of sunlight to grow and sustain. It prefers direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. This plant cannot thrive in shaded or dimly lit areas, and the lack of sunlight can adversely affect its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant thrives in hot and humid climates with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures below 15°C. The optimal temperature range for Sesamum somalense Chiov. is between 30°C and 35°C. Extreme temperatures can cause wilting or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Sesamum somalense Chiov. prefers well-drained soil, rich in humus and nutrients. It can thrive in sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must be properly aerated to allow for adequate water drainage, and it should retain enough moisture for proper growth. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged or saline soils.
Cultivation methods
Sesamum somalense Chiov is a crop that requires a warm and humid climate for optimal growth. The plant thrives well in regions that experience an average temperature range between 25 to 35°C.
It is essential to prepare the field before planting. The land needs to be cleared of weeds, and the soil should be tilled and leveled. Sesamum somalense Chiov needs well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Planting can be done using either seeds or seedlings, and the best time to plant is during the rainy season.
The plants need enough space to grow and develop fully. The spacing between plants should be 30 to 60 cm apart, depending on the variety. Proper and regular weeding is necessary to reduce competition for nutrients, moisture, and light.
Watering needs
Sesamum somalense Chiov requires proper and regular watering for optimal growth. The plants need adequate moisture content throughout their growth cycle.
During germination, the seeds require frequent and light watering to keep the soil moist. Overwatering may lead to root rot, and underwatering may result in stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of leaves. Irrigation can be done using sprinklers, drip irrigation, or flooding.
It is important to note that the plant is drought-resistant and can tolerate dry spells. However, the yield may be significantly reduced if the plant experiences extended periods of water scarcity.
Fertilization
Sesamum somalense Chiov requires a well-balanced fertilizer for optimum growth and yield. The plant needs nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in adequate amounts.
The application of organic manure improves the soil structure and fertility, leading to better yields. Fertilizer can be applied at different stages of plant growth, such as basal application during planting, top-dressing at the vegetative stage, and flowering stage.
It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and observe safety precautions when applying fertilizer. Overuse of fertilizer can lead to environmental pollution and reduce crop quality.
Pruning
Pruning may not be necessary for Sesamum somalense Chiov. However, removing diseased or damaged leaves may improve plant health and productivity.
When the plant starts to flower, removing some of the flowers may enhance the size and quality of the remaining seed pods. Once the seed pods start to dry and turn brown, the plants can be harvested.
In conclusion, proper cultivation methods, adequate watering, well-balanced fertilization, and minimal pruning can lead to a bountiful harvest of Sesamum somalense Chiov.
Propagation of Sesamum somalense Chiov.
Sesamum somalense Chiov. is commonly propagated using seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Sesamum somalense Chiov. can be sown directly in the field or in a seedbed. The ideal time to sow the seeds is during the onset of the rainy season. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours to improve their germination rate. The planting depth is approximately 1 cm, and the spacing between each plant varies depending on the cultivar and growing conditions.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Sesamum somalense Chiov. can be prepared with stem segments that are about 10 cm long. The cuttings are planted directly in the field or in a pot and covered with plastic to increase humidity. The cuttings should be watered regularly to ensure their survival.
Both methods of propagation have their advantages and disadvantages. Propagation by seeds is more common, less time-consuming, and less expensive, but it may result in lower productivity due to genetic variability. On the other hand, propagation by cuttings results in plants with uniform characteristics, but the survival rate of cuttings is generally lower than that of seedlings.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum somalense Chiov.
Sesamum somalense Chiov. is a plant that belongs to the Sesamum family. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to it. Therefore, proper management is necessary to ensure high yields and plant health.
Common Diseases
Sesamum somalense Chiov. is susceptible to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases that can affect its growth, development, and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: Caused by the fungus Cercospora sesame. Symptoms include brown or gray spots on leaves. Management includes crop rotation, removal and destruction of diseased plant parts, and fungicide application.
- Powdery mildew: Caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni. Symptoms include white powdery spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. Management involves maintaining good airflow, sanitation, and fungicide application.
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include sunken spots with orange spores on stems, leaves, and pods. Management includes sanitation, crop rotation, and fungicide application.
Common Pests
Sesamum somalense Chiov. is also susceptible to various pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap. Symptoms include distortion and yellowing of leaves. Management involves insecticidal soap, neem oil, crop rotation, and use of beneficial insects.
- Stink bugs: Large, shield-shaped insects that feed on plant tissue. Symptoms include distorted or shriveled seeds. Management includes removing weeds, crop rotation, and insecticide application.
- Whiteflies: Tiny, flying insects that congregate on the underside of leaves. Symptoms include yellowing and curling of leaves. Management involves yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, and neem oil.
Integrated pest management practices should be employed to avoid the development of pesticide-resistant pests and promote sustainability.
