PERFORMANCE OF VARIETIES OF SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) GROWN IN SUDAN SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

Abstract

A field trial was conducted during the 2024 rainy season at two locations: Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri (latitude 11.47^ON, longitude 12^O, 16.464^OE) and the Teaching and Research Farm, Borno State University (latitude 11.83^ON, longitude 12.99^ON and altitude 315m above sea level), in the Sudan Savanna region of Nigeria. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of different sesame varieties. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replications. The treatment consisted of four sesame varieties: 530-6-1, Type 4, Ex-Sudan, and Kenena 4. The parameters assessed included plant height per plant, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, 1000 seed weight, and yield per hectare. Data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Statistix version 10.0, and mean comparisons were conducted using the Least Significant Differences (LSD) and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% probability level. The findings revealed that variety 530-6-1 exhibited superior plant height, number of leaves, and number of branches per plant, whereas Kenena 4 had the lowest values among the varieties. Additionally, 530-6-1 and Type 4 took longer days to reach 50% flowering. Yield related parameters were significantly higher for varieties 530-6-1 and Type 4 in both locations. Therefore, it was concluded that cultivating either 530-6-1 or Type 4 would enhance sesame productivity and optimize yield.