Abstract

An experiment on performance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars under different plant populations during summer season (February to March 2021) was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, on sandy loam soil in split plot design with three varieties (YLM 66, YLM 17 and TIL1) in main plots and four plant populations (30 cm x 10 cm, 30 cm x 15 cm, 30 cm x 20 cm and 30 cm x 25 cm) in sub-plots. There were no significant differences in plant height among varieties and spacing. At 60 days after sowing (DAS), significantly higher LAI was obtained with YLM 66 and dry matter with TIL 1 over other varieties. These parameters were higher at 30 cm x 20 cm spacing over other spacings. Number of seeds per capsule (43.8) and seed weight per capsule were significantly higher with YLM 66 as compared to other varieties. However, these parameters did not vary significantly due to spacing. Significantly higher seed yield was observed with variety YLM 66 over other varieties under test. The seed yield did not vary significantly due to spacing. The straw yield was significantly higher in TIL 1 over YLM 17 and YLM 66) and biological yield was higher in TIL 1 and YLM 66 over variety YLM 17. These parameters increased significantly with increase in spacing.