Optimum planting date for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in the transition zone of south west Nigeria
2007
Olowe, V.I.O.,University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Nigeria). Research and Development Centre
Experiments to evaluate the optimum sowing date for two varieties (Yandev 55 and E8) of sesame were carried out during the late rainy season cropping in 1998 and 1999 in south west Nigeria. Yandev 55 is a local adapted variety, whereas E8 is an improved variety. Both varieties were sown in early July, mid July, late July, mid August and late August. Rainfall distribution and amount were greater in 1999 than in 1998 during cultivation. Consequently, both varieties performed better in 1999 than in 1998. In 1998 var. E8 flowered earlier and was also shorter than Yandev 55, whereas in 1999 both varieties had similar growth attributes, except for the variables days to physiological maturity and height at 50% flowering. Yield components of both varieties were similar in 1999, except for the variable number of branches per plant. However, in 1998 E8 performed better than Yandev 55, except for grain yield. Variation in sowing dates significantly affected the performance of the two varieties in both years. Sesame sown in early July elongated faster and produced significantly greater weight of capsules and seeds per plant, number of capsules per plant and weight of seeds per plant in both years in comparison with sesame from other sowing dates. Both varieties gave maximum grain yields in early July in 1999. Grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with height at physiological maturity and weight of capsules and seeds per plant. Sowing sesame between early July and mid July is, therefore, recommended for sustainable cultivation in the forest - savanna transition zone.
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