Effects of sowing date on performance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Field trials were conducted to evaluate the optimum sowing date and suitable sesame variety in Borno State, Nigeria. Treatments consisted of three sowing times (14^th July, 28^th July and 11^th August) and three varieties (Ex-sudan, Kenana-4 and Gwoza) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. All the yield attributing parameters were significantly affected by different sowing dates and varieties sown on 11th August. Growth and grain components of sesame varieties differed with different planting dates within a given environment. Gwoza variety was taller than Kenana-4 and Ex-sudan. Ex-sudan variety recorded higher number of capsules per plant (190.3), seeds per capsule (76.22), thousand seed weight (1710.30g) and grain yield ( 3.42 kg ha ^-1), compared with Kenana-4 and Gwoza varieties. Variety Ex-sudan planted in the second week of August is recommended for cultivation in the agro-climatic conditions of Maiduguri.