Field Performance of Improved Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties under Rainfed Condition of Bangladesh

Abstract

In Bangladesh, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production is attributed to low yield of the local cultivars with an indeterminate growth habit, uneven ripening of capsules, seed shattering, susceptibility to waterlogging and lack of adequate research findings. A field experiment was conducted in the Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory, Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna to study the yield performance of some improved sesame varieties under rainfed conditions of Bangladesh. Six varieties of sesame viz. T6, Batiaghata local Til, Bina Til-1, BARI Til-2, BARI Til-3 and BARI Til-4 were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on various yield parameters during harvest. Almost all the yield attributes were found higher in BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til except capsule length (BINA Til-1 possessed the longest capsules). These two varieties were recorded extra branches per plant (7.07 and 6.93), more number of capsules per plant (89.15 and 84.60), higher number of seeds per capsule (84.79 and 80.20) and higher harvest index (25.46 and 24.49%). The values mentioned in the parentheses did not differ significantly. As expected from the results, BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til produced statistically similar seed yields on unit area basis (1.29 and 1.13 t ha-1). Seed yield (g plant-1 as well as t ha-1) was well correlated with dry matter (g plant-1), biological yield (t ha-1) and harvest index (%) as revealed by simple regression analyses. Based on the findings of the study, the variety BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til may be recommended for cultivation in Khulna region under rainfed condition as it showed better performance in terms of yield parameters.