Assessing Different Media Composition on Germination, Growth and Yield of Transplanted Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Sesamum, a traditional oilseed crop, is susceptible to poor plant establishment due to various biotic and abiotic factors for which transplanting is a suitable option. Still, suitable media for promoting the growth and establishment of sesame seedlings have not yet been exploited. Therefore, a preliminary field experiment was conducted in 2019 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, India, to study the effect of various media compositions on the performance of transplanted sesame. Media compositions such as red earth, FYM, vermicompost and composted coir pith were used. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that higher seed germination percentage ( 88), establishment percentage (94), vigor index (1674), seedling height (15 cm), capsules plant-1(83), seeds capsule-1 (58), and seed yield ( 839 kg ha-1) were recorded in media comprising red earth: sand: vermicompost: composted coir pith (2:1:1:1) followed by red earth: sand: vermicompost (2:1:1). Therefore, the media composition of red earth: sand: vermicompost: composted coir pith is highly suitable for promoting growth, seedling vigor, and yield enhancement in transplanted sesame.