Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), one of India's most ancient oilseed crops, continues to play a vital role in the country's agricultural and economic sectors. Gujarat stands out as a leading state in sesame production, thanks to its development and adoption of high-yielding and resilient varieties suited to diverse climatic conditions.
Among the varieties cultivated in Gujarat, the Guj-Til series is particularly notable. These varieties are known for their high oil content, strong disease resistance, and adaptability across different seasons. This article explores the characteristics and advantages of five important Guj-Til varieties — Guj-Til-1, Guj-Til-2, Guj-Til-3, Guj-Til-4, and Guj-Til-10 — along with best cultivation practices to optimize yield and quality.
Improved Sesame Varieties in Gujarat
Guj-Til-1: A Reliable Traditional Performer
Released in 1979, Guj-Til-1 is a white-seeded sesame variety known for its branching growth habit and smooth green stems. It matures within 86 to 92 days and yields about 650–700 kg/ha. The plant has a multi-capsular structure with opposite capsule arrangement and moderate resistance to powdery mildew, making it a dependable option for traditional farmers.
Guj-Til-2: Market-Favored and Tolerant
Introduced in 1994, Guj-Til-2 offers a higher yield potential of 750–800 kg/ha while maintaining the desirable white seed color that has high market demand. Its branching plant type and hairy, multi-capsular structure make it robust, and it shows strong tolerance to Macrophomina, a key disease in sesame cultivation.
Guj-Til-3: For Enhanced Oil Recovery
Guj-Til-3, released in 2006, is a bold white-seeded variety with a slightly shorter maturity window of 84 to 88 days. It features broad, oblong capsules arranged oppositely and singly on the stem. These structural traits contribute to better seed size and higher oil recovery rates.
Guj-Til-4: The Early Maturing Option
Launched in 2010, Guj-Til-4 is ideal for areas with shorter growing seasons, thanks to its early maturity (79–83 days). This white-seeded variety forms multi-capsules in an alternate arrangement and possesses glabrous, narrow oblong capsules. These features offer improved shattering resistance, reducing post-harvest losses.
Guj-Til-10: Suitable for Disease-Prone Areas
Guj-Til-10, introduced in 2002, differs from the others with its black seeds and highly branched plant structure. It produces single capsules in an alternate arrangement and is well-suited for areas susceptible to powdery mildew due to its strong resistance. The pinkish-white flowers also enhance pollination efficiency, contributing to improved productivity.
Comparative Features of Guj-Til Varieties
Each Guj-Til variety presents unique agronomic features:
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Seed color ranges from white (Guj-Til-1 to 4) to black (Guj-Til-10).
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Capsule types vary, with multi-capsular or single-capsule arrangements and different textures.
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Disease resistance includes tolerance to powdery mildew and Macrophomina.
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Notable traits such as early maturity (Guj-Til-4), better oil recovery (Guj-Til-3), and pollination efficiency (Guj-Til-10) make each variety suitable for specific conditions.
Best Cultivation Practices for Sesame in Gujarat
Soil and Climate Suitability
Sesame grows best in well-drained sandy loam or medium-textured soils. It thrives under temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. While it requires adequate rainfall, the crop is sensitive to water stagnation, which can reduce both seed yield and oil quality.
Sowing Seasons and Spacing
Depending on the season, sesame is sown with varying spacing:
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Kharif (June–July) and Semi-Rabi (mid-September): 60 × 15 cm
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Summer (February): 30 × 10 cm
This spacing allows for optimal air circulation and sunlight penetration, essential for healthy plant development.
Seed Rate and Treatment
For effective crop establishment:
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Seed rate: 5 kg/ha for broadcasting; 2.5–3 kg/ha for row sowing
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Treatment: Seeds should be treated with Thiram (2 g/kg) and Carbendazim (1 g/kg) to protect against fungal diseases.
Fertilizer and Nutrient Management
Fertilizer requirements vary by season:
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Kharif: 50:25:40 kg N:P:K/ha
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Semi-Rabi: 25:12.5:0 kg N:P:K/ha
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Summer: 50:25:0 kg N:P:K/ha
Additionally, applying sulfur (15–20 kg/ha) enhances oil content, while zinc sulfate (25 kg/ha every three years) ensures balanced nutrition.
Weed and Pest Management
Weed control is crucial during the first 40 days after sowing. A two-stage strategy works best:
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First weeding: Hand weeding at 15–20 days
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Second weeding: Mechanical hoeing at 30–35 days
For chemical control, pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin (1 kg a.i./ha) is effective.
Disease and Insect Pest Control
Common pests include the leaf roller, capsule borer, and gall fly. Management strategies include:
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Neem Seed Kernel Extract (5 g/l) or Quinalphos 25 EC (1.5 ml/l) for leaf rollers and borers
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Dimethoate (1.5 ml/l) for gall fly
Major diseases such as powdery mildew can be controlled with Carbendazim (0.1%) or wettable sulfur (0.2%). Varieties like Guj-Til-3 and Guj-Til-4 show field tolerance to phyllody disease.
The Guj-Til series of sesame varieties presents a promising path for sesame cultivation in Gujarat, combining high yield potential, resilience to diseases, and superior oil content. By aligning the choice of variety with the local climate and adopting recommended agronomic practices, farmers can significantly enhance productivity and profitability. With sesame gaining popularity in both domestic and international markets, Gujarat’s role in the sesame value chain continues to strengthen, providing both economic and agricultural benefits to the region.
