Assessment of Agroeconomic Indicators of Sesamum indicum L. as Influenced by Application of Boron at Different Levels and Plant Growth Stages

Abstract

To achieve the nutritional target of human food, boron (B) has been described as an essential mineral in determining seed and theoretical oil yield of Sesamum indicum L. The research to increase its cultivation is garnering attention due to its high oil content, quality and its utilization for various purposes, which include human nutrition as well as its use in the food industry. For this, a two-year field experiment was performed at PAU, Punjab, India to determine the effect of different concentrations of foliar-applied B (20, 30 and 40 mg L−1) and different growth stages of crop, i.e., we measured the effects on agroeconomic indicators and certain quality parameters of sesame using different concentrations of B applied at the flowering and capsule formation stages as compared to using water spray and untreated plants. Water spray did not significantly affect the studied parameters. However, B application significantly increased the yield, uptake, antioxidant activity (AOA) and theoretical oil content (TOC) compared to those of untreated plants. The maximum increase in seed yield (26.75%), B seed and stover uptake (64.08% and 69.25%, respectively) as well as highest AOA (69.41%) and benefit to cost ratio (B:C ratio 2.63) was recorded when B was applied at 30 mg L−1 at the flowering and capsule formation stages. However, the maximum sesame yield and B uptake were recorded when B was applied at a rate of 30 mg L−1. A significant increase in TOC was also recorded with a B application rate of 30 mg L−1. For efficiency indices, the higher values of boron agronomic efficiency (BAE) and boron crop recovery efficiency (BCRE) were recorded when B was applied at 20 mg L−1 (5.25 and 30.56, respectively) and 30 mg L−1 (4.96 and 26.11, respectively) at the flowering and capsule formation stages. In conclusion, application of B @ 30 mg L−1 at the flowering and capsule formation stages seemed a viable technique to enhance yield, B uptake and economic returns of sesame.

Biofortification of Soybean (Glycine max L.) through FeSO4·7H2O to Enhance Yield, Iron Nutrition and Economic Outcomes in Sandy Loam Soils of India

“…The trend of Fe uptake in seed and straw was attributed to the combined effect of yield and Fe concentration. The exogeneous supply of Fe enhanced the Fe bioavailability to soybeans at vegetative and reproductive phases due to more absorption of Fe through plant foliage [28]. Thus, Fe absorption enhanced the enzymatic activities, which improved the yield and Fe concentration of soybeans and thus enhanced the Fe uptake.…”

Enrichment of Zinc and Iron Micronutrients in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) through Biofortification

“…Higher Zn concentration in grain and straw with two Zn sprays over the single Zn spray was associated with higher Zn availability through two sprays. For instance, foliar application of micronutrients in oilseed crops at the S1 and S2 stages has resulted in a significant increase in micronutrient concentration in the edible part of the crop [36]. Another possible reason might be the suppression of the antinutrient (phytate) due to which bioavailable Zn concentration increased [31].…”

Artificial neural network approach for predicting the sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaf area: A non-destructive and accurate method

“…In Brazil, culture represents an income alternative for small and large producers in semiarid regions, with a high commercial value of seeds and oil, being easy to productively manage and tolerant of the edaphoclimatic conditions of these regions [ 48 ]. Sesame seeds are rich in oil (46–64%), protein (15–25%) (mainly methionine), carbohydrates (20–25%), and some micronutrients such as lignans and phytosterol [ 49 , 50 ]. The oil fraction present in the seeds contains approximately 90% of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids [ 49 ].…”