Influence of Sesame Varieties and Fertilizer Levels on the Yield of Sesame in Potiskum, Yobe State - Nigeria

Field experiments were carried out in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to deter- mine the influence of sesame varieties and fertilizer levels on the yield of sesame in the study area. Treatments consisted of three varieties of sesame (Jigida, NCRIBEN-01M and NCRIBEN-032) and four levels of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer (0, 50,100 and 150 kg ha-1). Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The fields were cleared and crop planted in both cropping seasons with all agronomic practices carried out as at when due. Prior to planting, surface (0-15 cm) soil samples were collected from eight points and bulked; post-harvest composite soil samples were also collected on the basis of treatments. All soil samples were analyzed using standard analyti- cal procedures. Data on yield parameters collected included number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, length of capsule (cm), 1000 capsule weight (g), 1000 seeds weight (g) and seed yield per hectare (kg ha-1). The crop data generated from the study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Genstat Release 10.3 DE after which significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5 % level of probability. Results indicated that the improved varieties performed better than the local variety in both cropping seasons. Sesame yield increased with increase in fertilizer rates up to 150 kg ha-1. The highest yield obtained in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons was 0.54 and 0.44 t ha-1 respectively. The effects of variety on soil properties did not differ significant- ly however, the improved varieties left lower essential nutrients in soil when com- pared with the local variety. Fertilizer application at 150 kg ha-1 of NPK 15:15:15 favoured the retention of organic matter in soil as well as other essential nutrient elements and is hereby recommended for sustainable sesame production in the study area.