Seed Yield and Oil Content of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum L.</i>) Genotypes in Response to Different Methods of Nitrogen Application

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nutrients deficiency and imbalanced use of fertilizers are amongst the main factors responsible for low sesame yield. The study was conducted to determine the suitable nitrogen application method for optimum yield of sesame. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This study consisted of three nitrogen application methods i.e. broadcasting:100 kg N ha-1 (check), integration of foliar N (1%) + broadcasting (50 kg N ha-1) and fertigation (100 kg N ha-1), and three sesame varieties viz. S-17, PR-122 and PR-509. The experiment was carried out in three replicated RCBD (factorial) at SAU, Tandojam, Pakistan during summer, 2013. The data was statistically analyzed using Statistix computer software to determine the significance of variance. Findings: Growth, yield and oil content of sesame genotypes was significantly (P<0.05) affected by various nitrogen application methods as compared to check. The integrated application of 1% foliar N + broadcasting at the rate of 50 kg N ha-1 was found superior for improving yield of sesame crop. The sesame plots given nitrogen through fertigation followed in performance. However, lowest seed yield was recorded in broadcasting (100 kg N ha-1). As regard varieties, better performance in terms of growth and yield traits was noted in S-17, followed by PR-509. However, minimum seed yield was noted in PR-122. As regards, interactive effects, maximum seed yield was observed in the interaction of combined application of foliar N (1%)+broadcasting (50 kg N ha-1) x variety S-17. Application/ Improvements: Application of nitrogen could be made effective and economical by integrating 1% foliar nitrogen with 50% reduced dose (broadcasting) for enhancing seed yield of sesameKeywords: N Application, Sesame Varieties, Seed Yield and Oil Content