Enhancing Sesame Yield through Integrated Weed and Nutrient Management: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), a vital oilseed crop of semi-arid regions, continues to face significant productivity challenges due to its cultivation under rainfed conditions, poor soil fertility, and severe weed infestation. This review synthesizes current research on integrated weed and nutrient management (IWNM) as a strategy to improve sesame growth, yield, and quality under such constrained environments. Studies indicate that maintaining weed-free conditions during the critical period of 14–64 days after emergence can prevent yield losses exceeding 50%. Simultaneously, nitrogen management plays a pivotal role in enhancing nutrient uptake, plant vigor, and seed quality, although it must be tailored to water availability to ensure efficiency. Recent findings highlight the effectiveness of pre-emergence herbicides (e.g., imazethapyr, alachlor) combined with manual weeding and precise fertilizer placement techniques in improving yield, reducing nutrient losses, and enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency. Furthermore, IWNM strategies have been shown to improve nutrient partitioning, seed protein and oil content, and economic returns. The review concludes that, despite advancements, further research on herbicide residues, varietal responses to integrated practices, and precision tools for site-specific management is essential to effectively scale integrated weed and nutrient management (IWNM) and sustainably enhance sesame productivity in semi-arid agroecosystems.