Evaluation of Yield and Yield Components of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties under Irrigation in Lowland Area of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Sesame is major economically important oil crops in Ethiopia. However, the yield of this crop is limited due to shortage of improved varieties suited to specific area and others discourage factors. This field experiment was conducted during 2019/220 cropping season to evaluate sesame varieties at Weyito and Omorate in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was four varieties namely: Mehando-80, Hummera-1, T-85 and Adi. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, primer branch number per plant, Capsules per plant and grain yield and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software program. The combined value analysis of variance of the current study the main factors of varieties showed a significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01) effect while, the interaction of location and variety had a non-significant effect in all recorded traits. Combined mean values indicated that, the highest (1107.1 kg ha^-1) grain yield was recorded from Mehando-80 variety, while the lowest (776.3kg ha^-1) grain yield was recorded from T-85 variety at study area. Therefore, use of Mehando-80 variety can be recommended for sesame-producing farmers, investors and agro-pastoral at Weyito, Omorate and its vicinity.