Growth analysis of improved black sesame genotypes in Nakhon Phanom Province

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an oilseed crop with high nutritional value and continuously increasing demand. It is an alternative crop that could promote cultivation among farmers in Nakhon Phanom Province, helping to increase their income. The study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield of five improved black sesame varieties improved by the Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchatani University (B15-1-3, B15-2-1, B17-2-4, B15-3-1, and B15-3-3), in comparison with the recommended cultivar (Ubon Ratchathani 3). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications at Nakhon Phanom University. Results showed that B15-2-1 and B15-3-3 had the highest seed yields (652.87 and 513.81 kg/rai, respectively). B15-2-1 was identified as a superior genotype showing high values of crop growth rate (CGR), leaf growth rate (LGR), stem growth rate (SGR), relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area duration (LAD), and net assimilation rate (NAR) during 40-60 days after planting. Meanwhile, B15-3-3 showed the highest biomass accumulation during the late growth stages. A positive correlation between LAI and seed yield was recorded, indicating its potential use as a selection trait for high-yield varieties. Furthermore, all improved sesame varieties showed no significant differences in terms of 50% flowering date and harvest date compared to the recommended cultivar, demonstrating their suitability for integration into farmers' production systems. This study demonstrates that genotypes B15-2-1 and B15-3-3 have high potential as promising genotypes in Nakhon Phanom Province and can serve as alternative sesame genotypes for farmers to meet future industrial demands.