Boost Sesame Yields with These Disease-Resistant Varieties Ideal for Rajasthan's Dry Conditions

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a crucial oilseed crop in Rajasthan, prized for its adaptability to arid conditions and high oil content. The state has developed several improved varieties that offer enhanced productivity and resilience against environmental stresses, tailored specifically for Rajasthan’s unique agro-climatic conditions. By cultivating these improved varieties, farmers in Rajasthan can significantly enhance their yields and increase their income sustainably.

Prominent Sesame Varieties for Rajasthan

1. RT-46 (Released in 1990) is a white-seeded variety known for its tolerance to Alternaria leaf spot and adaptability to Rajasthan’s climate. It yields between 700-750 kg/ha with an oil content of 48-50%, maturing in approximately 82-85 days.

2. RT-54 (1992) features light brown seeds and is well-suited for rainfed conditions. It tolerates leaf blight and Alternaria leaf spot, yielding 700-800 kg/ha with oil content ranging from 43-46%, maturing slightly earlier at 78-80 days.

3. RT-103 and RT-125 (both from 1994) are white-seeded varieties with tolerance to Macrophomina and bacterial leaf blight. RT-125 additionally resists Alternaria leaf spot, with both varieties producing yields of 700-800 kg/ha and oil content of about 46-50%. Their maturity spans 83-88 days, showing strong adaptability to local soil and climate.

4. RT-127 (2001) stands out with bold white seeds, drought hardiness, and resistance to several diseases including Macrophomina and powdery mildew. It produces higher yields of 750-850 kg/ha and has an oil content of 50-52%.

5. Recent releases like RT-346 (2009) and RT-351 (2010) offer further improvements, with compact capsules and resistance to multiple diseases including leaf curl and Cercospora. These varieties yield between 700-850 kg/ha and maintain oil content close to 50%.

Best Practices for Sesame Cultivation in Rajasthan

1. Land Preparation: Deep summer plowing improves soil aeration, while thorough harrowing ensures fine tilth and prevents waterlogging. Incorporating 5-10 tons of well-decomposed farmyard manure per hectare before sowing enriches the soil.

2. Sowing Time and Method: The ideal sowing period is the first fortnight of July during the Kharif season. Seed rates vary from 5 kg/ha for broadcasting to 2.5-3 kg/ha for line sowing, with recommended spacing of 30 × 15 cm or 45 × 10 cm to optimize plant growth. Seed treatment with fungicides like Thiram and Carbendazim or biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma viride protects against fungal infections.

3. Fertilizer Management: For irrigated conditions, apply 40 kg nitrogen, 20 kg phosphorus, and 20 kg potassium per hectare, with sulfur supplementation of 15-20 kg to enhance oil quality. Apply half the nitrogen along with full phosphorus and potassium at sowing, followed by the remaining nitrogen at 30-35 days after sowing (flower initiation stage).

Weed Control: Sesame is highly susceptible to weed competition, especially within the first 40 days. Two rounds of hand weeding at 15-20 and 30-35 days after sowing, coupled with pre-emergence herbicide Pendimethalin, effectively manage weeds while conserving soil moisture.

Irrigation Practices: Although sesame is predominantly rainfed, protective irrigation during flowering and capsule formation stages can boost yield. Care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, as sesame is sensitive to excess moisture.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Key pests such as leaf roller, capsule borer, gall fly, and jassids can significantly impact crop health. Common diseases include Phytophthora blight, Macrophomina root rot, bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, and phyllody. Utilizing disease-resistant varieties alongside recommended fungicides and insecticides is essential for maintaining healthy crops.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

Sesame should be harvested when the bottom capsules turn lemon yellow and the leaves begin to droop. Timely harvesting is critical to prevent seed shattering. Proper drying of harvested plants before threshing preserves seed quality and oil content.

Summary of Varietal Attributes

Sesame cultivation in Rajasthan offers promising prospects with the use of improved varieties that provide high yields, superior oil content, and resilience to prevalent pests and diseases. By adopting suitable agronomic practices tailored to the region’s climate and soil conditions, farmers can enhance both productivity and profitability, contributing to sustainable agriculture in the state.