Overview of Sesamum Pterospermum R.Br.
Sesamum pterospermum R.Br., commonly known as Benne tree or Tilvan, is a flowering plant species from the family of Pedaliaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The plant is widely cultivated in these regions for its edible seeds and oil.
Appearance and Characteristics
Benne tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 10 meters tall. The plant features a greyish to dark brown bark with rough vertical fissures. The leaves are large, narrow, and elliptical in shape, measuring up to 20 cm in length. The flowers are pink or purple and have a trumpet-like shape, measuring 4-6 cm in length. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule that measures up to 15 cm in length. The seeds are small, flat, and round, measuring 2-3 mm in diameter, and are predominantly used for their oil.
Uses
The seeds of the Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. plant are edible and are widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines. The seeds are roasted and ground to make sesame oil, which is commonly used in cooking as well as in Ayurvedic medicine. The oil is believed to have numerous health benefits, primarily due to its high concentration of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Additionally, the leaves of the plant are often used in traditional medicine to treat skin rashes, fevers, and headaches.
The plant is also commonly used in reforestation programs due to its ability to grow in degraded soils. Its deep roots help improve soil structure and prevent erosion. The wood of the tree is used for fuel and to make small-scale products such as furniture, agricultural tools, and handicrafts.
Light Requirements
Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. is a plant that requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day to achieve optimal growth. However, the plant can still grow in partial shade, although it will grow slower and produce fewer flowers and seeds.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and hot temperatures to grow best. The optimal temperature range for growth and development is between 20°C and 35°C. The plant can still grow in colder temperatures, but it will grow slower or go dormant during the winter.
Soil Requirements
Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can still grow in moderately acidic or alkaline soils but might not perform as well. The plant is adapted to grow in a variety of soils, from sandy to loamy, and can even grow in poor soil conditions.
Cultivation methods
Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It grows best in warm, humid climates and requires full sunlight exposure. The seeds need to be sown at a depth of 1-2 centimeters and spaced 30-45 centimeters apart. The plant is self-pollinating and requires no special consideration for pollination.
Watering needs
The Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. plant requires moderate watering, particularly during its early growth stage. The plant needs consistent and adequate watering, but excessive watering should be avoided as it can cause root damage. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as it can lead to fungal infections and root rot.
Fertilization
Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal. Fertilizers should be added to the soil before sowing the seeds or at the early growth stage. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be used cautiously as they can promote excessive growth and delay flowering, leading to lower seed yields.
Pruning
Pruning of Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. is not necessary, as the plant is self-supportive and does not require staking. However, dead or diseased branches should be removed to maintain plant health. Pruning can be done after the plant has finished flowering and before harvesting the seeds.
Propagation of Sesamum pterospermum R.Br.
Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. are small and can be easily collected from mature pods. They should be sown in well-draining soil, spacing each seed about 5 cm apart. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within two weeks, and the young plants will require regular watering and fertilization.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings of Sesamum pterospermum R.Br. can be taken from the mother plant and rooted in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and include at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings protected from direct sunlight for the first few weeks. Roots should start to develop within a couple of weeks, and the plants can be transplanted to their final location once they are established.
Propagation through layering
Layering is a method of propagation that involves bending a lower branch of a mature plant to the ground and covering it with soil. After a few weeks, roots should develop from the portion of the branch that is buried in soil. Once the new roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Sesamum pterospermum R.Br.
Sesamum pterospermum R.Br., commonly known as the African oil bean tree, is a tropical African tree that has been used to extract oil from its seeds. Like any other crop, it is prone to attacks by pests and diseases that reduce its productivity and quality.
Common Pests
The African oil bean tree is susceptible to attacks by various pests, including caterpillars, aphids, mealybugs, and scales. Caterpillars cause defoliation, while aphids, mealybugs, and scales suck sap from the plants, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage pests, cultural control methods such as regular weeding, crop rotation, and intercropping with pest-repellent plants can be employed. Additionally, biological control methods such as releasing natural enemies of pests such as parasitoids, predators, and pathogens can be used. Chemical control methods should be used as a last resort when pest populations are beyond control using other methods.
Common Diseases
African oil bean tree is affected by various diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew manifests as a white powdery substance on the leaves that eventually turn yellow and drop off. Leaf spot disease appears as dark spots on the leaves, which eventually connect to form large patches that cause defoliation. Root rot disease causes the roots to turn black, leading to plant stunting and wilting. To manage diseases, cultural control practices such as removing and destroying infected plant debris, plant spacing, and crop rotation can be employed. Use of disease-resistant seed varieties and disease-free planting materials is also recommended. Chemical control methods such as the use of fungicides can be applied when other methods fail.
Overall, healthy plants have better resistance to damage from pest and disease, ensuring better plant productivity. Regular monitoring of the crop, timely detection, and control of pests and diseases are paramount in ensuring excellent crop performance.
