Effect of sulphur and zinc fertilization on growth, yield attributes and grain yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2018 at Jobner, Rajasthan, to study the ef- fect of sulphur and zinc fertilization on growth, yield attributes and grain yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The experiment, comprising 4 levels each of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and zinc (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg zinc sulphate/ha), thereby making 16 treatment combinations, was laid out in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Progressive increase in level of sulphur up to 30 kg/ha significantly increased the most of the growth and yield-attributing characters of sesame, viz. plant height, dry-matter accumulation, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), branches/plant, chlorophyll content, leaf-area index, capsules/plant, seeds/ capsule and test weight, over preceding levels. It also recorded significantly higher seed yield (712 kg/ha) of sesame over the control and 15 kg/ha. However, it was found at par with 45 kg/ha, wherein the maximum values of growth and yield attributes as well as yield were obtained. Results further showed that an increase in level of zinc sulphate up to 20 kg/ha by and large significantly improved the most of the growth and yield-determining charac- ters of sesame over lower levels. It also recorded significantly higher seed yield (725 kg/ha) over the control and 10 kg/ha and found at par with 30 kg/ha. Application of 30 kg S/ha in conjunction with zinc sulphate at 20 kg/ha (S Zn ) was the most effective treatment combination for obtaining higher seed yield (802 kg/ha) and net returns 30 20 ( 48,970/ha) in sesame.