Contents
Description
Guizotia Abyssinica, also known as Niger or Nyjer, is an annual herbaceous plant native to Ethiopia and Malawi. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is widely cultivated in India, Ethiopia, and Myanmar. It is an oilseed crop that is grown for its highly nutritious seeds, which are rich in protein, oil, and essential amino acids. The seeds are commonly used in bird feeders and as a food ingredient in some African and Asian countries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Guizotia |
Appearance
Guizotia Abyssinica can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a slender stem with branches that bear leaves and flowers. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate in shape, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The seeds are small, black, and triangular in shape, with a high oil content.
Care Guide
Guizotia Abyssinica requires moderate care and attention to grow healthy and produce high-quality seeds. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to maintain soil moisture. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, once a month during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and methods.
Soil: Guizotia Abyssinica prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Add organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil before planting to improve its fertility and texture.
Sunlight: Guizotia Abyssinica requires full sunlight to grow and produce healthy seeds. Plant it in a sunny location, away from shade or partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Guizotia Abyssinica grows best in warm, tropical or subtropical regions with a temperature range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Guizotia Abyssinica is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the most common ones:
Pests: The most common pests that attack Guizotia Abyssinica include aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause leaf damage, stunted growth, and reduced seed production. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Diseases: Guizotia Abyssinica is prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These diseases can cause leaf discoloration, wilting, and death of the plant. Use fungicides or practice good cultural practices, such as proper watering and sanitation, to prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Guizotia Abyssinica is native to Ethiopia and Malawi but is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including India, Myanmar, and some African and Asian countries. It grows best in warm, tropical or subtropical regions with a temperature range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Guizotia Abyssinica used for?
A: Guizotia Abyssinica is grown for its highly nutritious seeds, which are used as bird feed and as a food ingredient in some African and Asian countries.
Q: Is Guizotia Abyssinica easy to grow?
A: Guizotia Abyssinica requires moderate care and attention to grow healthy and produce high-quality seeds. It is not difficult to grow, but it does require proper watering, fertilization, and sunlight.
Q: What are the common pests that attack Guizotia Abyssinica?
A: The most common pests that attack Guizotia Abyssinica include aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Guizotia Abyssinica?
A: Guizotia Abyssinica is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to Guizotia Abyssinica:
- Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Aster (Aster spp.)
References
- Singh, R. K., & Singh, S. P. (2010). Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.: A promising underutilized oilseed crop. Agricultural research, 4(4), 271-281.
- Joshi, M., & Joshi, A. (2017). Niger (Guizotia abyssinica): A review. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 5(2), 107-110.
- USDA. (2021). Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. Plants Database. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=GUAB
