Effect of Planting Method and Plant Population on Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in a Mediterranean Type of Environment

Abstract

The effects of planting method (row and broadcast) and plant population (102 000, 127 500, 170 000, 255 000 and S10 000 plants ha”') on yield and yield components of sesame were studied under irrigated «conditions in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey during 2002 and 2003. Seed yield and yield components af sesame were significantly afected by planting methods. The row planting had positive effects on yield and yield components and produced around 34% higher seed yield comparing to broadcast planting in both years The population density also significantly affected to all growth and yield parameters. Plant height, Branch mumber, capsule mumber, capsule length, seed number per capsule, seed weight, seed yield and protein content decreased with the increasing plant population in both years, exoept for seed yield, harvest index and oil content. The highest seed yield was obtained from SIO 000 plants ha”* in 2002 and 2003 with 1633 and 1783 kg ha”, respectively.