Effect of different levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and zinc sulphate on growth and yield of summer sesame

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is recognized as the “queen of oilseed crops” due to its high oil content, nutritional value, and resistance to oxidative rancidity. Despite its importance, productivity in India and other sesame-growing countries remains low, largely due to suboptimal nutrient management. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) are essential nutrients that influence growth, yield, and oil quality in sesame. The present field experiment entitled “Response of summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and zinc sulphate under irrigated condition” was conducted during the summer season of 2017 at the Agronomy Farm, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra, to evaluate the impact of N, P, and Zn fertilization on growth and development of summer sesame.
The trial was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatment combinations involving 100% and 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in combination with three zinc sulphate levels (10, 20, and 30 kg ha⁻¹), replicated thrice. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches, functional leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and dry matter accumulation were recorded at different growth stages. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA.
Results revealed that plant height, branching, and leaf area increased significantly with higher N and P levels, particularly at 125% RDF. Zinc sulphate application further enhanced growth traits, with 30 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ in combination with 125% RDF (T₉) showing the highest values for plant height (110.19 cm), number of branches (4.20), functional leaves (100.7 at 70 DAS), and dry matter accumulation (44.78 g plant⁻¹). The positive effects were attributed to improved nutrient uptake, photosynthetic activity, and enhanced metabolic processes.
It can be concluded that applying 125% RDF along with 30 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ optimizes growth performance of summer sesame under irrigated conditions, and this integrated nutrient management strategy holds potential for increasing sesame productivity in semi-arid regions.