- Row-sown Sesame Seed Rate = 3-4 kg/ha.
- Broadcasted Sesame Seed Rate = 5 kg/ha.
Mixing the small seeds with dry sand ensures even spacing along the row.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sesame (Sesamum indicum), also known as gingelly or til, is an ancient oilseed crop.
Because sesame seeds are extremely small, they require careful sowing practices and a precise seed rate to establish an optimal plant population without overcrowding. Detailed Explanation:
The sowing method determines the required seed rate:
- When sesame is sown by broadcasting, some seeds are buried too deep or remain on the surface, reducing germination.
- To compensate for this, a slightly higher seed rate of 5 kg/ha is used.
- When sesame is sown in rows using a seed drill, the seeds are placed at a uniform depth, leading to higher germination and survival rates.
- Consequently, the optimal seed rate for row-sown sesame is reduced to 3 to 4 kg/ha.
- To ensure uniform distribution of the tiny seeds during sowing, they are often mixed with dry sand or well-decomposed organic manure in a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio.
- Applying more than 5 kg/ha of seed leads to overcrowding, which increases competition for nutrients and space, reducing the number of capsules per plant and lowering overall yields. Step 2: Final Answer:
The suitable seed rate for row-sown sesame is 3-4 kg/ha.
