Growth Characteristics as Affected by Polyethylene Film-Mulching in Sesame

This study was carried out to investigate varietal differences on growth characteristics under the conditions of PE film-mulching and non-mulching in sesame. At maturing stage from 76 to 95 days after sowing, Yangbaeckkae, non-branching plant type, under non-mulching showed larger leaf area index (LAI) than that of film-mulching, while plant height and the number of capsules per plant were similar to those of film-mulching. LAI of Ahnsankkae, branching plant type, under non-mulching was similar to film-mulching, while plant height and the number of capsules per plant were smaller than those of film-mulching. Net assimilation rate (NAR) of two varieties under non-mulching was lower at seedling stage from 25 to 35 days after sowing but higher at flowering stage from 45 to 55 days after sowing. At maturing stage from 66 to 77 days after sowing, NAR and crop growth rate (CGR) of Yangbaeckkae under non-mulching were greater than those of film-mulching, whereas those of Ahnsankkae under non-mulching were lesser than those of film-mulching. Yield under non-mulching was decreased by 7 % in Yangbaeckkae and 33 % in Ahnsankkae compared with that of film-mulching, therefore Yangbaeckkae was more adaptable for non-mulching than Ahnsankkae. Main factors decreasing yield of Yangbaeckkae under non-mulching were small LAI, NAR, and CGR at the stage of young seedling, and small number of capsules at early maturing stage from first flowering to 20 days after first flowering.