Response of two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties to nitrogen fertilizer in Wukari, Taraba State

Abstract

The productivity of any crop plant depends on its ability to grow fast and produce good yield. Nitrogen removal by crops under intensive cultivation and neglect of nitrogen replenishment contributed to widespread nitrogen deficiencies in arable soils. Study was conducted between July and September (rainy season) in 2019 and 2020 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria to compare the growth and seed yield of two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties to nitrogen fertilizer application rates. The study involved two sesame Varieties (EX-SUDAN and local variety) and four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha^-1) was laid out in 2 x 4 factorial arrangements fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data were collected on growth and at harvest on seed yield components. Results showed that both varieties had similar growth characters except the number of branches per plant which was higher in plants arisen from the local variety. Nitrogenous fertilizer had significant effect on growth characters. Plant height, number of branches and leaves increased with increasing nitrogenous fertilizer application rate. Higher number of capsules was observed on plants produced from local variety while plants from Ex-Sudan variety had higher 1000-seed weight. However, both varieties had comparable seed weight and yield. Nitrogenous fertilizer application enhanced seed yield components. The application of nitrogen fertilizer at 150 kg ha^-1 had the highest seed yield but comparable with the application rates of 50 and 100 kg ha^-1. The Local variety is suggested for sesame farmers due to higher number of branches and capsules fertilized with 50 kg N ha^-1 for sustainable production of the crop in Wukari.