Olowe V. I. O.
Abstract
Experiments to evaluate the optimum sowing date for two varieties (Yandev 55 and E8) of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were carried out during the late rainy-season cropping in 1998 and 1999 in south west Nigeria. Yandev 55 is a local adapted variety, whilst E8 is an improved variety. Both varieties were sown in early July, mid July, late July, mid August and late August as late season crops in both years. Rainfall distribution and amount were greater in 1999 than 1998 during cultivation. Consequently, both varieties performed better in 1999 than 1998. In 1998, var. E8 flowered earlier and was also shorter than Yandev 55 whilst in 1999 both varieties had similar growth attributes, except days to physiological maturity and height at 50% flowering. Yield components of both varieties were similar in 1999, except number of branches per plant. However, in 1998, E8 performed better than Yandev 55, except for grain yield per hectare. 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, compared with other sowing dates. Yandev 55 and E8 produced maximum grain yields when sown in early July and mid July, respectively, in 1998 whilst 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 in both years. Sowing sesame between early July and mid July is, therefore, recommended for sustainable cultivation in the forest - savanna transition zone.
Key words:
sesame varieties, plant production, Sesamum indicum L., West Nigeria