The effect of intra and inter-row spacing on growth, yield and yield attributes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under irrigated condition in Benna Tsemay Distinct, South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Sesame is cultivated almost in all the tropical and subtropical countries of Asia and Africa. However, the yield of this crop is limited due to the lack of appropriate plant density among others discourage factors. Therefore, the field study was conducted during the 2018 and 2019 planting season with the objective of evaluating the effect of intra and inter-row spacing on yield and yield attributes of sesame in Weyito, South Omo Zone and Southern Ethiopia. This field study was factorial with three inter-row spacing (30, 40 and 50 cm) and three intra-row spacing (10, 15 and 20 cm) and used randomized complete block design with three replications. Number of primary branches per plant, plant height, number of capsules per plant, thousand seed weight and grain yield data were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. The results of this study showed that there was a highly significant (p<0.01) difference among the main effect inter and intra-row spacing in number of primary branches per plant, plant height, number of capsules per plant, thousand seed weight and grain. The highest (1.19 ton per hectare) and (1.04 ton per hectare) grain yields were obtained from 15 cm intra and 40 cm inter-row spacing, respectively. Therefore, the use of 40 cm inter row and 15 cm intra row spacing can be recommended for sesame producing farmers to attain the higher grain yield of sesame at the study area and similar soil and climatic factors areas.