Sesame Production Research Articles

SCALING UP OF SESAME PRODUCTION UNDER CLUSTER FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME IN PUNJAB, INDIA

The present investigations were undertaken to assess the effectiveness of demonstrated technology of sesame cultivation at farmers’ fields for their awareness with the objective of narrowing yield gaps in sesame crop in the rain fed areas of Punjab, India. A total of seventy-five Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted on improved farm technology of sesame, in which the full package of agronomic practices for its cultivation were used with special focus on improved cultivars and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which are major constraints in sesame production. The performance of the technology demonstrated under the CFLDs was compared with that of the traditional farmers’ practice. The yield enhancement, technological gap and extension yield gaps along with the economic analysis were studied for the three years during Kharif 2017-18 to Kharif 2019-2020. The average technology gap, extension yield gap and technology index of 1.43 quintal per hectare (q/ha), 1.54 q/ha and 20.4%, respectively, were recorded. The improved farm technology package demonstrated showed significant enhancement in the profitability of oilseeds in terms of gross returns and net returns besides additional returns (Rs. 9098–15215/- per ha) and incremental benefit-cost ratio (3.54–4.40). The demonstrated farm technology was found to have huge potential to enhance sesame productivity and profitability, thereby enabling farmers to earn better livelihood under normal and collateral farming situations. Keywords: Frontline demonstrations, Economics, Sesame, Extension gap, Productivity, Technology index

Economics of Sesame Production in Gharbia Governorate, Arab Republic of Egypt

Economics of Sesame Production in Gharbia Governorate, Arab Republic of Egypt

Insect species dynamics and associated losses in on-farm stored sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds in major sesame growing areas in Ethiopia

Insufficient storage practices and frequent infestations of insect pests pose significant obstacles to sesame production and storage, adversely affecting the quality and quantity of seeds. This forces farmers and traders to sell their crops at lower prices immediately after threshing to avoid market rejection caused by pests and mold damage during storage. The objective of this study was to investigate the insect species dynamics and the losses of on-farm-stored sesame seeds during the 2017- 2018 production year. Sesame seed samples obtained from randomly selected 431farm households in five districts were analyzed to determine the insect species present, insect density, seed weight loss, seed damage, germination percentage, and dockage using R software version 4.2.2. Biophysical parameters such as inter-granular temperature, seed moisture, and relative humidity were also recorded. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with the 431 farm households to gather information on their seed storage methods, practices for controlling insect pests, and the varieties of sesame they produce and store. The findings revealed the presence of 13 arthropod species from four orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera) which belongs to eight families (Tenebrionidae, Silvanidae, Bostrichidae, Curculionidae, Carabidae, Coreidae, Formicidae, and Pyralidae) in the stored sesame seeds at the study site. The most prevalent species was the flour beetle (Tribolium spp.), accounting for 44.26% of the infestation, followed by the rice moth, lesser grain borer, and rice weevil, which constituted 28.2%, 15.72%, and 4.88% of the infestation, respectively. The farmers grew and stored nine different cultivars along with one improved sesame variety called setit-1. On average, there was a 1.97% loss in seed weight, with insect pests causing damage to 8.3% of the seeds. The study districts exhibited an average of 3.79 insects per kilogram of sesame seeds, and the seeds showed a mean germination rate of 77%, which was significantly influenced by the extent of insect damage. The study underscores the significant challenges faced by sesame production and storage in Ethiopia due to inadequate storage practices and infestation by insect pests, resulting in diminished seed quality and quantity. To mitigate the losses incurred from storing sesame on farms, effective measures should be implemented, including improved storage practices and efficient pest control methods.

Soil Quality Assessment of Sesame-Growing Soils with Different Productivity in the Northern Telangana Zone, India

Present study was carried out in major sesame growing areas of Northern Telangana zone in districts namely; Nizamabad, Jagtial, Nirmal and Kamareddy. The main objective of this study is to assess the soil quality and to find out the relation between sesame yield and soil quality index. Based on the seed yield data of sesame, the above-mentioned districts were divided into high, medium and low productivity zones. 50 samples from each productivity zone with a total of 150 surface soil samples (0-15 cm were collected and analysed for various physical, physico-chemical, chemical and biological properties. Physical properties included texture, bulk density and water holding capacity. Physico-chemical properties like pH, EC and organic carbon were analysed. Chemical properties of soil namely available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, available sulphur, exchangeable bases like exchangeable calcium and magnesium, potassium and sodium, available micronutrients like iron, copper, manganese and zinc were analysed. Biological properties like urease, acid and alkaline phosphatase and labile carbon were analysed. Principal component analysis, minimum dataset was derived which contained available nitrogen, sand, pH, available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium and magnesium and urease with 70.81% variance. These are identified as the key indicators of soil quality. Mean soil quality index values were 0.669, 0.549 and 0.443 for high, medium and low sesame productivity zones respectively and is in the order of high>medium>low sesame productivity zones. Percent contribution of MDS to SQI are in the order of, available nitrogen (44.44%> pH (16.85% >exchangeable calcium (9.87%> exchangeable magnesium (8.89%> urease (7.86%> available phosphorus (7.38% > sand (4.89%. This study concluded that the SQI was more significantly positively correlated with sesame yield, which revealed that soil variables from the minimum data set had biological significance and effectively evaluated the status of the sesame growing soils of Northern Telangana Zone.

Influence of Selected Extension Support services on Sesame Production Among Smallholder Farmers in Bal’ad District, Somalia

Sesame is valuable cash crop in Somalia, as a significant income source for smallholder farmers. Its cultivation and trade make substantial contributions to the national economy, generating revenue and creating employment opportunities. Farmers face challenges related to poor-quality seeds, limited fertilizers, and a lack of proper pest control practices. The paper was to investigate the influence of selected factors (access to farm inputs, access to credit, and access to market information) on sesame production among smallholder farmers in Bal’ad district/Middle Shabelle/Somalia. The target population was 3098 sesame farmers. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling were used to select a sample of the respondents. The sample size was 148 farmers. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The paper recommends that extension support services should guarantee that access to inputs of sesame production is available and offered to new farmers.

Assessment of Sesame Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change in Machina Local Government Area, of Yobe State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess sesame farmers’ perception and adaptive measures to climate change in Machina Local Government area of Yobe State, Nigeria. The data was collected from randomly sampled 63 sesame farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics and Likert scale tools were used to analyze the collected data. The results’ findings show that sesame production is dominated by married male farmers (92.1%) that have an average age of 42 years, farm size average of 1.14 hectares, and an average farming experience of 15 years in the study area. The farmers were also found to have a household size average of 11 members; as well majority of them were found to have formal education ranging from Primary (31%), secondary (28%) and tertiary education (20%). The study findings further revealed farmers in the study area strongly agreed to perceive climate change majorly through an observed change in pattern of temperature (61.9%), and change in the pattern of temperature (46%). Meanwhile, climate change adaptive strategies used by farmers were majorly increased soil water conservation (3.17), use of chemicals, fertilizers, manure and pesticides (2.65) and using different tillage systems (2.52). The sesame farmers faced challenges of inadequate capital (69.8%), pest and disease attack (55.6%) as well as high cost of production inputs (54%). It can therefore be recommended that inputs subsidies and training on early warning systems of climate change shall be given to the farmers so as to improve their control measures to climate change.

Sesame renaissance: Iran’s emerging influence in the global sesame market

Sesame seeds and their various derivatives, such as sesame oil, can be special in household diets worldwide due to their unique nutritional and health properties. Despite the long history of sesame cultivation in Iran and its suitability to the Iranian climate, Iran remains an importer of sesame. In other words, sesame production in Iran faces numerous constraints and obstacles, limiting its production capacity. This study aims to present sesame production status in Iran over the past 22 yr, elucidating the production trends, quantity and value of imports, obstacles, and solutions for sustainable sesame seed production in the country. To achieve this goal, in addition to reviewing national and international databases, extensive correspondence was conducted with stakeholders in sesame production, ranging from farmers to researchers, promoters, and policymakers, to compile a comprehensive list of leading challenges in sesame production and operational solutions to overcome these challenges. The analysis revealed that the most significant challenges in sesame production in the country could be categorised into seven main sections, including poor agronomic management, soil fertility decline, pest, diseases and weed issues, inadequate breeding programs, lack of sustainable financial support, an uncertain sesame market and fragmented and ineffective research. To address these issues, it is essential to enhance sesame production by updating agricultural management practices, introducing and making high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties accessible, improving soil management techniques, conducting applied research, and transferring knowledge to farms. Also, establishing sesame producer associations and cooperatives can help eliminate intermediaries in the production-to-sales chain. Timely support from government institutions for small-scale sesame producers and raising consumer awareness of sesame’s nutritional and health benefits and its by-products are crucial to overcoming these challenges. All these actions can lead to the promotion and development of sesame production in Iran to meet the high domestic and global demand for this valuable and nutritious seed. This cannot be achieved without increased interaction between farmers, researchers, promoters, and policymakers.

Climate variability and sesame production in the rural community of Bérégadougou, Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is the second most important export crop after cotton. In the rural commune of B?r?gadougou, it is the second most important cash crop after groundnuts. This oilseed is essentially a rainfed crop and is there-fore largely dependent on rainfall. The aim of this article is to analyze sesame production in a context of climatic variability. To achieve this, the research methodology is based on a global geographical approach that integrates meteorological data (1991-2021), climatic parameters and fieldwork. The results show a rainfall pattern with a rainy season (May to October) and a dry season (November to April). Inter-annual rainfall trends over the analysis period show that rainfall is always above 500mm, whatever the year. Similarly, whatever the year, the average temperature is always above 27?C. These variations in rainfall and temperature have no impact on sesame production. Family farmers also gave 92% of their produce as evidence of their acceptance of climatic variability.

Desenvolvimento e produtividade de gergelim (cultivar k3) em latossolo amarelo em função da adubação potássica

ABSTRACT Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an oilseed crop species valued for its nutritional properties. Sesame production has been a strategic alternative for expanding agricultural diversification in Mato Grosso, Brazil. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess growth and seed yield of sesame plants (cultivar K3) grown in a Typic Hapludox soil under potassium (K) fertilizer application. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications, using a 6×4 factorial arrangement consisting of six K2O rates (0, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) and four application times (0, 20, 30, and 40 days after sowing). Agronomic parameters were evaluated, including plant height, first capsule height, numbers of branches and capsules per plant, capsule weight, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield. Soil samples were chemically analyzed after harvest. Individual factors (K2O rates and application times) and the interaction between factors had no significant effects on plant height, first capsule height, number of branches per plant, and capsule and 1000-seed weights. The timing of fertilizer application did not significantly affect plant growth and seed yield. However, K fertilizer application increased soil K contents, number of capsules per plant, and seed yield. The highest seed yield was found for the K2O rate of 90 kg ha-1.

A gender-responsive breeding approach to the intensification of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production in the Maradi region of Niger.

Climatic variability and a decrease in soil fertility have had a detrimental effect on the productivity of the main rainfed crops in Niger (millet, sorghum, and cowpea) and led to a deterioration of the nutritional status and income of the country's farmers. The spatio-temporal variability in rainfall has led rural populations to diversify their farms by integrating sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) into their cropping systems because of its low water and fertilizer requirements. Sesame is increasingly becoming a significant source of income for farmers, and it contributes to their food and nutritional security. To boost the production of sesame and facilitate its rapid adoption, our breeding program focused on participatory breeding and varietal selection with the inclusion of gender-specific preferences, from the variety design to the evaluation of new lines on farms. This case study shows that, although women have more experience in sesame cultivation than men, they have less access to production factors such as land. This limited access is especially problematic, as recent trends in land tenure mean that the poorest are no longer able to exploit large areas of cultivable land. It also evidenced that the varietal preferences of sesame growers as well as the mastery of production techniques are a function of the livelihoods and the investment capacity of actors in the value chain. Our study found that men mainly prefer production traits, whereas women have fewer trait preferences, and their preferences tend to be related to marketing and processing. This finding highlights the contrasting roles and responsibilities between men and women in the sesame value chain. Therefore, the inclusion of complementary traits preferred by women and men, provided that they are not negatively correlated with a variety profile, will help meet the full range of needs across the value chain. We recommend the inclusion of gender research in setting breeding goals prior to variety design.

GIS-based Land Suitability Evaluation for Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Production using Agro-climatic Indices in the Semi-arid Areas of Tigray

Introduction: Climate is the most important factor in determining crop production systems in Ethiopia. However, land suitability evaluation using climate variables for specific crops has been barely conducted to demonstrate the suitability of a location for the growth and yield of the crop. This study was, therefore, conducted to analyze land suitability evaluation for sesame production using agro-climatic variables by employing a multi-criteria approach. Materials and Methods: Temperature (maximum, minimum, and average temperature), annual rainfall, elevation, slope, growing degree days (GDD), and length of growing period were classified, and re-classified. Finally, a suitability map overlay was produced using ArcMap version 10.3.1 Results and Discussion: The results indicated that areas with higher elevations, like Adi Remets being 1860 meters above sea level, were classified as moderately suitable, whereas the majority of the study area was suitable for sesame production. After re-classifying the climate variables, elevation, and GDD, a suitability map overlay was produced for sesame production. The overall suitability map showed that areas around Humera, Dansha, Sheraro, Badime, Adigoshu, and some parts of Dedebit, Adiremets, and Maygaba were found from highly suitable to suitable, with 1,024,543.2 and 664,545.5 hectares of land, respectively. There has been no evidence with regards to land suitability classification for sesame production in the study area; hence, the results obtained in this study demonstrated the majority of the cultivated areas in the western and northwestern zones of Tigray to be high to moderately suitable for sesame production. Conclusion: Based on the results, a land suitability map representing a homogenous environment for improved sesame production was produced using a multi-criteria approach in the northwestern and western zones of Tigray. While the results obtained in this study might be helpful for agricultural experts, researchers, decision-makers, and farmers for crop intensification and expansion strategies, they can explicitly help in decisions in the marketing processes with respect to the crop’s value chain and provide a homogenous environment in the study area.

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum) UNDER DIFFERENT FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT

The sesame crop is one of the earliest crops that is being grown for edible oil purposes. The production performance of this crop is often affected by different factors such as soil fertility, water, and climatic conditions. This study evaluated the performance of sesame under different fertilizer management like animal manure, guano, vermicast, inorganic fertilizer, and no fertilizer application as check plots. The study showed that applying guano fertilizer significantly improved plant height performance 30 to 60 days after planting compared to inorganic fertilizer, other organic fertilizers, and treatments without fertilizer application. The number of capsules per plant produced by sesame was significantly higher with guano fertilizer application compared to treatments without fertilizer application and other organic and inorganic fertilizer sources as treatments. Similarly, the yield performance of sesame under different fertilizer applications resulted in a significant performance over guano fertilizer, with the highest yield obtained compared to other fertilizer management. The different organic and inorganic fertilizers are good sources of essential nutrients for sesame production. Likewise, further study can be conducted using a fertilizer combination, both organic and inorganic, for a better fertilizer management recommendation.

Drip irrigation and Fertigation improves yield and water productivity of summer sesame

A field experiment was conducted during summer on sesame (var. Swetha) at College Farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad with two irrigation levels (0.8 and 1.0 Epan), two fertigaiton levels of 75% and 100% recommended dose Nitrogen and Potassium (RD of N & K) and two dosage schedules (Equal and differential) in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that the 100% RD of N & K in differential dosages recorded higher yield (1011 kg /ha) at 1.0 Epan and highest water productivity (2.4 kg mm-1) was observed in irrigation at 0.8 Epan with fertigation of 100% RD N&K in differential dosages.

Effect of different organic inputs on agronomic and economic performance of sesame under rainfed conditions of North Maharashtra

A field experiment was conducted at Oilseeds Research Station, MPKV, Jalgaon to assess the performance of most suitable organic source for sesame production and its economics during the kharif season of 2021. Application of FYM on N equivalent basis + foliar application of 3% Panchgavya at flowering and capsule formation stage + Foliar application of Pseudomonas and Azotobactor 2 lit /ha both + soil application of Pseudomonas and Azotobactor (2.5 lit /ha + 200 kg FYM) recorded numerically higher seed yield ( 568 kg/ ha) over rest of the treatments, whereas higher net returns ( 26078/ha) and B: C ratio of 2.13 was obtained under application of RDF ( 50 % N as basal and remaining 50 % in 2 split doses) over rest of the organic sources.

Technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in sesame production (Ethiopia)

Technical efficiency of smallholder farmers in sesame production (Ethiopia)

Genome-wide characterization of the wall-associated kinase-like (WAKL) family in sesame (Sesamum indicum) identifies a SiWAKL6 gene involved in resistance to Macrophomina Phaseolina

BackgroundSesame charcoal rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is one of the most serious fungal diseases in sesame production, and threatens the yield and quality of sesame. WAKL genes are important in the plant response to biotic stresses by sensing and transmitting external signals to the intracellular receptor. However, there is still a lack about the WAKL gene family and its function in sesame resistance to M. phaseolina. The aim of this study was to interpret the roles of WAKL genes in sesame resistance to M. phaseolina.ResultsIn this study, a comprehensive study of the WAKL gene family was conducted and 31 WAKL genes were identified in the sesame genome. Tandem duplication events were the main factor in expansion of the SiWAKL gene family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sesame SiWAKL gene family was divided into 4 groups. SiWAKL genes exhibited different expression patterns in diverse tissues. Under M. phaseolina stress, most SiWAKL genes were significantly induced. Notably, SiWAKL6 was strongly induced in the resistant variety “Zhengzhi 13”. Functional analysis showed that SiWAKL6 was induced by salicylic acid but not methyl jasmonate in sesame. Overexpression of SiWAKL6 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants enhanced their resistance to M. phaseolina by inducing the expression of genes involved in the salicylic acid signaling pathway and reconstructing reactive oxygen species homeostasis.ConclusionsTaken together, the results provide a better understanding of functions about SiWAKL gene family and suggest that manipulation of these SiWAKL genes can improve plant resistance to M. phaseolina. The findings contributed to further understanding of functions of SiWAKL genes in plant immunity.

Suppression of weed and insect populations by living and straw mulches in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

In order to evaluate the effect of different weed management treatments on weeds, pest and natural enemies populations in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), a 2-year study was conducted in East Azarbaijan, Iran in 2020–2021. The study was conducted based on randomized complete block design with four replications. The weed management treatments consisted of trifluralin use (960 g ai ha−1), wheat straw mulch (WSM), living mulches of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) (FLM), bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia L.) (VLM), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) (CLM) and one-time hand weeding (OHW). The effect of weed management treatment was significant on densities of insect pests, natural enemies and weed and also weed biomass and sesame seed yield. The lowest densities of insect pests including Myzus persicae, Brevicoryne brassicae, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua were observed in CLM treatment. Also, the highest densities of natural enemies Coccinella septompunctata, Coccinella undecimpunctata and Orius niger were observed in CLM treatment. The highest reductions in grass (51.0%), broadleaf (72.0%), and total (62.6%) weed biomasses and highest seed yield (1456 kg ha−1) were obtained in OHW. The seed yields in CLM and WSM treatments were not significantly different with trifluralin treatment and could be recommended in sustainable production of sesame.

Constraints Analysis in Procurement and Processing of Sesame in Northern Telangana Zone, Telangana, India

Sesame is one of the most commonly consumed foods either in fresh as raw seeds or processed. Sesame seeds contain 50-60 per cent oil. The study was aimed to document the constraints in procurement and processing of sesame in the study region. Three districts Jagtial, Nirmal and Nizamabad were selected from Northern Telangana Zone where sesame production was highest. Random sampling method was used to select the sesame processors. A total of 30 sesame oil units were selected from three districts for collecting data. The collected data has been analysed through Garette Ranking Technique. The major constraints faced by the processors at different stages of processing of sesame in the study region were high cost of machinery, insufficient funds from the financial institutions, lack of quality raw material, high cost for machinery repairs and maintenance, lack of efficient market for the final product and lack of awareness about the product.

Effects of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Sesame

A field experiment was conducted at the BINA substation farm, Ishwardi, Pabna during 2021- 2022 to see the combined effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer (Urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum, zinc and boron) on sesame growth and yield. Five treatments combination were used in the experiment. The treatments were T1=Native soil fertility (No fertilizer and manure), T2=100% Chemical Fertilizers (CF), T3= Vermicompost (VC) @ 5 ton/ha, T4=50% CF + 2.5 ton/ha VC, T5=70%CF + 1.5 ton/ha VC. Yield and yield contributing characters of sesame were significantly influenced with the different treatments. The treatment T4 (50% CF + 2.5 tha-1 VC) gave the highest seed yield of sesame. The results indicated that treatment T4 enhanced more crop growth which influenced on greater seed yield of sesame. The lowest seed yield was recorded at T1 treatment. However, considering maximum yields the treatments T4 could be used for more production of sesame with less use of chemical fertilizers.

Enhancing Sesame Productivity and Profitability with Cluster Front Line Demonstrations in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore District, India

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important oil crops grown in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh along with groundnut. Sesame productivity in the district is low and efforts have been made to increase productivity and area by using high-yielding varieties along with integrated crop management (ICM) practices. In the farmer's field, ICM practices like sowing of improved variety (YLM 66), seed treatment, providing sticky traps to monitor sucking pest vectors, application of neem oil at flowering, spraying of monocrotophos at capsule development stage are used. Insect control and carbendazim spray for leaf spot control have been demonstrated. The results showed that in 2021-22 and 2022-23, seed yield improved by 9.9 and 11.2 percent compared to farmers' practices. Economically, demonstration practices have been found to produce higher net profit per hectare over the years compared to farmer practices. In 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the B:C ratio was 2.76 and 3.08. To increase oilseed production, farmers in Nellore should adopt economically viable techniques based on the technology rate percentage, which ranges from 21.0% to 27.0%.