Effect of plant spacing and nutrient levels on growth and yield performance in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes

The experiment was designed to conduct at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore during kharif 2021–22 and 2022–23 for 2 consecutive years to study the effect of different nutrient levels and spacing on growth and yield of sesame genotypes (Sesamum indicum L.). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design having 3 factors viz., 2 genotypes (V1: GT-1 and V2: GKVKS-1), 2 spacings (S1: 30 × 10 cm and S2: 45 × 10 cm) and 3 nutrient levels (F1: 75 % recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF), F2: 100 % RDF and F3: 125 % RDF). The 2 years of investigation has revealed that, genotypes, GKVKS-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (100.73 cm), seed yield (663 kg ha-1) and oil yield (290 kg ha-1). Narrow spacing of 30 × 10 cm recorded significantly higher plant height (99.22 cm), seed yield (641 kg ha-1) and oil yield (282 kg ha-1). Application of 125 % RDF recorded significantly higher plant height (105.08 cm), seed yield (707 kg ha-1) and oil yield (313 kg ha-1). Higher gross returns (₹125475 ha-1), net returns (₹93820 ha-1) and cost to benefit ratio (3.96) were observed in GKVKS-1 genotype with spacing of 30 × 10 cm under 125 % RDF. This could be ascribed to efficient land use, better light interception and ensured nutrient supply with less competition for the resources.