Nutrient Accumulation, Partitioning, and Remobilization by two Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Cultivars

Purpose : Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important crop in tropical areas. Differences between potential and actual yield is caused by several causes. One is the deficiency of basic information for establishing comprehensive fertilization plans, due to inadequate information of mineral nutrition. The aims of the study were to determine macronutrients and micronutrients accumulation, partitioning, and remobilization by two sesame cultivars.

Research Method : A field experiment was established to obtain biomass enough in four growth stages: vegetative, mid-flowering, late flowering, and harvest. Biomass and content of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, cupper, iron, zinc, and manganese were determined from vegetative tissues for the first two growth stages, and in seed and rest of the plant for the last two growth stages.

Findings : For both cultivars, the decreasing order of the macronutrient according the amount accumulated was nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and sodium. Decreasing order of micronutrients was iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. More than 30% of the nutrient extraction accumulated in seed was identified for nitrogen, phosphorous, and zinc. Results suggest calcium remobilization for both cultivar, and only for one of them for nitrogen, phosphorous, and magnesium.

Originality / Value : Results of this study establish the basis of the understanding of sesame nutrition. Future fertilization plans must use this information for an efficient use of fertilizers.