Effect of fertilizer levels and planting geometry on the performance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2007 at the Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad to study the response of sesame genotypes to levels of fertilizer and planting geometry. Cultivar DS-1 recorded significantly higher seed and oil yields (788 and 332 kg ha -1 , respectively) with application of recommended NPK (40:25:25 kg ha -1 ) and                       30 x 10 cm planting geometry. DS-1 with 150 per cent recommended NPK recorded higher N uptake (77.57 kg ha -1 ) over DS-1 with recommended NPK (73.21kg ha -1 ). P uptake was also higher in same genotype and fertilizer level (3.82 kg ha -1 ) over cv. DSS- 9 receiving recommended NPK and spacing. Higher soil available N was observed in DS-1 with 150 per cent NPK and 45 x 20 cm (264 kg ha -1 ) over DSS-9 with recommended NPK and spacing (228 kg ha -1 ). DS-1 with closer spacing of  30  x 10 cm and 100 per cent NPK resulted in significantly higher net returns and B:C ratio (Rs. 20650 /- and 2.89, respectively).