Initial Growth of Sesame under Nutrient Omission

Abstract

Sesame is an oilseed, nutritionally important in the world, for its seeds are rich sources of protein and calcium. Fertilizer management is fundamental for the development of this crop and consequently to increase its productivity. In this context, this research aimed to evaluate the initial development of sesame under nutrient omission in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in a greenhouse, at the Federal University of Rondonópolis. The soil used was Oxisol and the crop used was black sesame. The design was in randomized blocks, with five treatments (absence of nitrogen, absence of phosphorus, absence of potassium, complete fertilization and control (absence of nutrients)) and four repetitions. The variables analyzed were pH, chlorophyll index, plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, aboveground dry mass, root volume, and root dry mass. The pH variable showed a statistical difference 45 days after emergence. The chlorophyll index showed a difference between 30 and 45 days after emergence. The stem diameter, leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, aboveground dry mass, root volume, and dry mass showed a difference among treatments. The absence of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium significantly affects the initial development of sesame.