Abstract

Field trials on sesame were conducted at the Manga Agricultural Research Station during the 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons to determine the optimal rate of nitrogen fertilizer and intra-row spacing for sesame production. Consistently, intra-row spacing of 30 and 40cm produced the best results in both seasons in terms of grain yield. Sesame grain yield increased significantly with increase in the rate of nitrogen fertilization, implying that sesame yields could be boosted through an increase in nitrogen fertilizer application. Marginal insignificant yield response was observed with increased nitrogen level attaining the peak at 80kgN/ha. Main effects of nitrogen rates and intra-row spacing significantly (P<=0.001) affected most of the traits evaluated more than the interaction effects. Plant spacing of 75cm x 30cm at N application of 80kgN/ha recorded the highest grain yield (273kg/ha) in 2009 while 75cm x 30cm at 0kgN/ha (control) recorded the least grain yield (60kg/ha) in 2010. Even though there was no significant interaction effect on plant population, the interaction effects of 20 cm and 30cm at 80kg N/ha produced the highest plant populations of 6.9 and 7.1 respectively. Sesame plant height was significantly (P<=0.001) influenced by N application with plant height increasing with increase in N rate, attaining a maximum height of 142cm at 60kgN/ha. Even though there was no significant interaction effect on plant population, the interaction effects of 20 cm and 30cm at 80kg N/ha produced the highest plant populations of 6.9 and 7.1 respectively. Sesame plant height was significantly (P<=0.001) influenced by N application with plant height increasing with increase in N rate, attaining a maximum height of 142cm at 60kgN/ha in 2009. Keywords: Sesame, intra-row spacing, nitrogen fertilizer rate, main effect, interaction effect.