Shattering and yield expression of sesame (Sesamum indicum L) genotypes influenced by paclobutrazol concentration under rainfed conditions of Pothwar

Abstract

Seed shattering is a critical challenge that significantly reduces sesame production by 50%. These shattering losses can be reduced by selecting shattering resistant genotypes or by incorporating modern agronomic management such as paclobutrazol, which can boost productivity and prevent seed shattering in sesame. Two-years of field trials were conducted to examine the effect of sesame genotypes, environment, and paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentrations. Twelve sesame genotypes were used in a four-way factorial RCBD with three replications and five PBZ concentrations (T0 = Control; T1 = 150; T2 = 300; T3 = 450; and T4 = 600 mg L− 1) under rainfed conditions of Pothwar. The findings revealed significant variations in the major effects of all examined variables (genotypes, locations, years, and PBZ levels). Sesame genotypes PI-154304 and PI-175907 had the highest plant height, number of capsule plant− 1, seed capsule− 1, 1000 seed weight, biological yield, and seed yield, while also having the lowest seed losses and shattering percentage. Regarding environments, NARC-Islamabad generated the highest plant height, number of capsule plant− 1, shattering percentage, and biological yield; however, the URF-Koont produced the highest seed yield with the lowest shattering percentage. Additionally, plant height, capsules plant− 1, and biological yield were higher in 2021, while seed capsule− 1, 1000 seed weight, seed losses, shattering percentage, and seed yield were higher in 2020. PBZ concentration affected all measured parameters; plant height and number of seed capsule− 1 decreased with increasing PBZ concentrations. 450 mg L− 1 PBZ concentration generated the highest biomass, number of capsules plant− 1, and seed yield. At the same time, PBZ concentration 600 mg L− 1 generated the smallest plant, the lowest seed capsules− 1, the greatest thousand seed weight, and the lowest shattering percentage. The study concluded that paclobutrazol could dramatically reduce shattering percentage and shattering losses while increasing economic returns through better productivity. Based on the findings, the genotypes PI-154304 and PI-175907 with paclobutrazol level 450 mgL− 1 may be suggested for cultivation in Pothwar farming community under rainfed conditions, as they showed promising shattering resistance as well as enhanced growth and yield.

Multivariate Analyses of Shattering and Seed Yield Related Morphological Traits Reveal High Yielding Sesame Genotypes Exhibit Low Degree of Shattering

“…The splitting open of capsules at maturity leads to the release and subsequent falling of seeds to the ground, resulting in a significant reduction in overall yield. Shattering can cause a considerable yield loss of up to 50% in sesame (Ahmed et al, 2023), influenced by factors such as genetic control, environmental conditions, and agricultural management practices (Maity et al, 2021;Ahmed et al, 2023). The negative impact of seed yield loss due to shattering, both before and during harvesting, extends to the income of farmers and poses a threat to food security.…”

“…Mitigating yield loss in sesame involves various strategies, including developing cultivars with minimized shattering through targeted breeding programs, ensuring optimal harvest timing, and implementing improved agronomic practices. Reduction of seed yield loss can be achieved by opting for shatterresistant genotypes (Ahmed et al, 2023) and adopting enhanced management practices, such as the application of paclobutrazol (Mehmood et al, 2021;Ahmed et al, 2023). In pursuit of diverse breeding objectives for desirable characteristics, sesame breeders are actively working towards creating varieties with decreased shattering (Qureshi et al, 2022).…”

Bacterial-Mediated Salinity Stress Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.): A Fortunate Way toward Sustainable Agriculture

“…48 Plant growth regulators (vitamin E, vitamin C, BRs, JA) could be employed on rice crops to alleviate abiotic stresses. 49 Nowadays, genetic engineering, 50,51 genotyping, 52 and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) are widely being used to mitigate abiotic stresses. 53,54 Induction of PGPR is an ecofriendly method to increase salt tolerance and crop yield.…”

“…Nowadays, genetic engineering, , genotyping, and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) are widely being used to mitigate abiotic stresses. , Induction of PGPR is an ecofriendly method to increase salt tolerance and crop yield . Numerous bacterial species have been involved in the reduction of salt stress in plants .…”