Phenological and yield characteristics of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as affected by nitrogen and phosphorous rates in Mubi, Northern Guinea Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

16' E and 696 m above sea level) to study the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) rates on some phenological and yield characteristics of sesame. The treatments consisted of four N rates: 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha -1 and four P rates: 0, 15, 30 and 45 kg ha -1 . These treatments in factorial combinations were laid out in split plot design with N rates assigned to main plots and P rates assigned to sub plots and were replicated four times. The following data were collected on phenological and yield characteristics: days to 50 % flowering, days to 50 % maturity, weight of biomass at eight weeks after sowing (WAS) and at harvest, dry weight of leaves at 8 WAS and at harvest, number of pods per plant and total seed yield. Results showed significant (P < 0.05) effect on all characteristics, except number of leaves at 8 WAS and days to 50 % maturity in both cropping seasons. Similarly, there were significant effects of N rates on dry weight of leaves, weight of biomass at harvest and number of pods per plant up to a maximum of 90 kg N ha -1 . P rates showed no significant effect on all characteristics measured. There was an interaction between cropping seasons and N rates on weight of biomass at 8 WAS and number of pods per plant. It was therefore concluded that application of N had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on some yield characteristics of sesame in Mubi. P rates up to 45 kg ha -1 however, had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on phenological and yield characteristics. Further research needs to be conducted on N and P rates above 90 and 45 kg ha -1 , respectively, to ascertain effects of optimum rates of N and P on sesame phenological and yield characteristics. In addition, the method of P application in the form of side dressing 2 to 3 WAS should be considered for possible effects.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SESAME (SESAMUM indicum L.) VARIETIES IN SUDAN SAVANNAH

“…This shows response of the crop to N and P fertilizer even at lower rates. Similar observation was made by (Muhamman et al, 2009;Ibrahim et al, 2016;Mizan et al, 2019). There was significant interaction between variety and fertilizer on days to 50% flowering.…”

Evaluation Of Different Concentrations Of Mancob M For The Control Of Cercospora Leaf Spot (Cercospora Sesami Zimm) On Some Sesame Varieties In Yola, Nigeria

“…All characters related to maturity, first flowering, 50% flowering and 95% flowering had a negative correlation with growth and yield of sesame crop. Muhamman et al, (2010), Onginjo et al, (2009) in a correlation studies involving 30 selected mutants lines and two cultivars reported that seed yield had a strong positive and significant relationship with biomass yield, harvest index and 100 seed weight but plant height, oil content, number of capsules and days to flowering had a weak positive significant correlation with seed yield [12,13].…”

Sesame Sole Crop and Intercrop Response to Fertilizer in Semi‐Arid Niger

“…The average grain yield in Niger was 460 kg ha -1 with little input use and much intercrop production. The sesame production constraints in Niger are similar to those in Nigeria, including poor management, pests, diseases, weeds, poor soil fertility, and low-yielding varieties (Muhamman et al, 2009). Singh and Misari (1986) reported a lack of fertilizer recommendations for sesame sole crop (SSC) in Nigeria since sesame was typically intercropped with sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] or pearl millet.…”

“…The average grain yield in Niger was 460 kg ha −1 with little input use and much intercrop production. The sesame production constraints in Niger are similar to those in Nigeria, including poor management, pests, diseases, weeds, poor soil fertility, and low‐yielding varieties (Muhamman et al, 2009).…”