Abstract:
There are varying patterns for growing different varieties of branched or non-branched
sesame. This experiment was conducted during a two-year period (2000-2001) to identify
the optimal practice for cultivation of the uni-branched sesame in the Safi-Abad
Agricultural Research Center, Khuzestan Province. The statistical design was set up as
strip-plot in a randomized complete block with four replications. Rows were adopted at
varying spaces of 37.5, 50 and 60 cm while the plants were arranged horizontally at
5,10,15 and 20 cm. In this way, the density of the plot was surveyed over an area ranging
from 83000 to 530,000 plant/ha. Combined analysis of two years, results showed a
significant effect on the yield component due to an increase in row-spacing from 37.5 to 60
cm. This increase in row-spacing from 37.5 to 60 cm. could also increase the stem
diameter from 16.3 to 19.4 mm, the pod number from 59 to 84 per plant, as well as the
weight per thousand seeds from 3 to 3.3 grams. Moreover, an increase in plant spacing
from 5 to 20 cm caused a decrease in stem height from 180.2 to 169.7 cm, an increase in
stem diameter form 15.8 to 19.8 mm, a rise in pod number from 44.6 to 96.5 and in the
seed content from 59.3 to 74.4 per pod. The relevance of the seed yield and row spacing
obeyed a falling linear regession curve, while the seed yield and plant intervals showed a
non-linear behaviour and estimated a maximum yield at 10 cm distance. Finally, the
planting density reflected a non-linear fourth power equation. The maxinum seed and oil
yield was then estimated at a density of 200,000–250,000 plant per hectare. In view of
higher yield at the 37.5 cm row treatment and the 10 cm plant treatment, together with
regressive equations, the above pattern (37.5*10cm) shall be recommended for unibranched
sesame growing in Khuzestan
