Phenological Evaluation and Determination of Nitrogen Use Efficiency in ‎New Shatter-Resistant Sesame Cultivars

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 PhD student, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran,

10.22069/ejcp.2025.23395.2670

Abstract

Background and objectives: Sesame is a valuable crop in tropical and subtropical regions, ‎requiring warm conditions during its growth period for optimal yield. Although classified as a ‎low-input crop with minimal fertilizer requirements, nitrogen availability directly impacts its ‎productivity.‎ Given the importance of the issue to study the phenological evaluation and determination of nitrogen use efficiency in ‎advanced New Shatter-Resistant Sesame Cultivars this experiment was conducted.

Materials and methods: A two-year field study (2021–2022) was conducted in northern ‎Khuzestan to evaluate phenology and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in new shatter-resistant ‎sesame varieties under varying nitrogen regimes. The experiment followed a split-plot ‎arrangement within a randomized complete block design with four replications. Main plots ‎received urea fertilizer at three levels: 100, 150, and 200 kg ha⁻¹ (46, 69, and 92 kg pure N) in ‎‎2021, and 150, 200, and 250 kg ha⁻¹ (69, 92, and 115 kg pure N) in 2022. Subplots comprised ‎four sesame varieties: Mohajer, Chamran, and Barkat (new shatter-resistant commercial cultivars), ‎and the local Dezful genotype (control).‎

Results: Nitrogen regimes significantly influenced phenological and yield-related traits. ‎Increasing nitrogen application extended the duration of growth stages in both years. The highest ‎urea rates (200 kg ha⁻¹ in 2021 and 250 kg ha⁻¹ in 2022) delayed 100% flowering to 62.5 days ‎‎(1460 GDD) and 65.7 days (1533 GDD), respectively. The local Dezful genotype required the ‎most days to full flowering (66.4 days, 1540.3 GDD in 2021; 71.1 days, 1672.3 GDD in 2022), ‎whereas shatter-resistant varieties showed minimal differences. Maximum grain yield occurred at ‎the highest nitrogen rates. Mohajer outperformed other varieties, yielding 924 kg ha⁻¹ (2021) and ‎‎1953 kg ha⁻¹ (2022). NUE declined with higher nitrogen rates; Mohajer exhibited the highest ‎two-year average NUE at 100 kg ha⁻¹ urea (16.9 kg grain per kg N) in 2021 and 150 kg ha⁻¹ ‎‎(25.5 kg grain per kg N) in 2022. Barkat demonstrated high NUE in 2022 (20.4 kg grain per kg ‎N), highlighting its efficient nitrogen utilization.‎

Conclusion: Overall, increased nitrogen application delayed sesame growth stages and prolonged ‎vegetative phases. Advanced shatter-resistant varieties reached maturity faster than the control, ‎requiring fewer days and growing degree days (GDD), reflecting earlier maturity. NUE ‎decreased with higher nitrogen rates, and Mohajer and Barkat showed superior efficiency. Based ‎on findings, 150 kg ha⁻¹ urea is recommended to optimize NUE in shatter-resistant cultivars.‎
Keywords: Early maturity, grain yield, growth stages, nitrogen use efficiency, phenology, shatter-‎resistant, urea

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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