Determination of Optimum Row-Spacing and Plant Density for Uni-branched Sesame in Khuzestan Province

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