Effect of sulphur and zinc fertilization on growth, yield attributes and grain yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2018 at Jobner, Rajasthan, to study the effect of sulphur and zinc fertilization on growth, yield attributes and grain yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The experiment, comprising 4 levels each of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and zinc (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg zinc sulphate/ha), thereby making 16 treatment combinations, was laid out in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Progressive increase in level of sulphur up to 30 kg/ha significantly increased the most of the growth and yield-attributing characters of sesame, viz. plant height, dry-matter accumulation, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), branches/plant, chlorophyll content, leaf-area index, capsules/plant, seeds/ capsule and test weight, over preceding levels. It also recorded significantly higher seed yield (712 kg/ha) of sesame over the control and 15 kg/ha. However, it was found at par with 45 kg/ha, wherein the maximum values of growth and yield attributes as well as yield were obtained. Results further showed that an increase in level of zinc sulphate up to 20 kg/ha by and large significantly improved the most of the growth and yield-determining characters of sesame over lower levels. It also recorded significantly higher seed yield (725 kg/ha) over the control and 10 kg/ha and found at par with 30 kg/ha. Application of 30 kg S/ha in conjunction with zinc sulphate at 20 kg/ha (S₃₀ Zn ₂₀) was the most effective treatment combination for obtaining higher seed yield (802 kg/ha) and net returns ( 48,970/ha) in sesame.