Impact of dates of sowing and irrigation scheduling on growth and productivity at critical growth stages on sesame

A field experiment was carried out during two consecutive summer seasons of the year 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Jabugam, Gujarat. The study aimed to identify the most appropriate dates of sowing and irrigation scheduling at critical growth stages for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The experiment was laid out in a Split Plot Design (SPD) with twelve treatment combinations, including three dates of sowing as the main plot treatment and four levels of irrigation scheduling as a subplot treatment, repeated three times. Various growth parameters like plant stand (initial and final), plant height (at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest) and yield attributing characters viz. branches/plant and capsules/plant as well as yield (seed and stover yield) were observed and analysed. The treatment combination of sowing in 3rd week of February with irrigation at branching, flowering, capsule formation and seed development was found to be the best in these parameters and can be recommended for higher yield and benefit of spring sesame in Gujarat and similar agroecological situations.