Influence of some agronomic practices on the growth and yield of vegetable sesame (Sesamum radiatum, Schum.)

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen levels (0,30,60 and 90 kg N/ha), timing of nitrogen application (single and split applications), intra-row spacing (5,10,15 and 20 cm) and harvesting frequency (every two and every three weeks) on the growth and yield of vegetable sesame. The experiments were conducted at Bauchi in the savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. Plant height, leaf area index and marketable yield were significantly increased by nitrogen application. Split application of nitrogen produced significantly higher total marketable yield than single application. Decrease in intra-row spacing resulted in a significant decrease in yield per plant, however yield per hectare increased significantly. Although total marketable yield was not significantly affected by harvesting frequency, harvesting sesame at fortnightly intervals produced higher yields. The results encouraged a split application of 60 kg N/ha and a spacing of 20 × 10 cm for optimum production of vegetable sesame.