Optimizing growth promoters use for improved seed yield and quality in sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

India being the world's largest producer of sesamum, struggles with low yields due to rainfed farming and underdeveloped practices. Sesamum, valued for its high-quality oil and adaptability holds significant potential for productivity improvement. The use of growth promoters plays a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity and quality by influencing key physiological processes in plants. This study evaluated the impact of growth promoters on the growth, seed yield and quality of sesamum cv. GKVK S-1 using an RCBD design with foliar sprays of various growth promoters such as NAA, ascorbic acid, IAA and benzyl adenine. The results revealed that, application of NAA at 100 ppm significantly enhanced the plant height (118.73 cm), number of branches per plant (7.89), seed yield (631.47 kg/ha), seed germination (93.67%), seedling vigour indices I and II (1006 and 390 respectively) and oil content (48.21%). This Indicates the efficacy of growth promoters in optimizing physiological and biochemical attributes of sesamum seeds. The study concluded that applying NAA at 100 ppm significantly improved the growth, seed yield and quality of sesamum cv. GKVK S-1.