Bangladesh Agron. J. 2021, 24(2): 31-41 PERFORMANCE OF SESAME(Sesamumindicum L.) VARIETIES UNDER VARIED NUTRIENT LEVELS M. Malek1, M.H. Ali2, M.F. Karim3, M.J. Ullah3, A.K. Paul4 and S.M. Masum3 1Farm Management Wing, 3Department of Agronomy, 4Department of Soil Science, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, 2Fast Capital University of Bangladesh Corresponding E-mail: smmasum607@sau.edu.bd (Received: 01 August 2021, Accepted: 27 September 2021) Keywords: Sesame, nutrient levels, varieties, high yield, Bangladesh Abstract The study was carried out to evaluate some sesame varieties under different nutrient levels for enhancing the productivity of sesame during March – June, 2014. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with three replications. The main -plot treatments had four nutrient levels viz., 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizer(RDF), 100% RDF, 125% of RDF, and 150% of RDF, and the sub - plot treatments included six sesame varieties viz., Laltil (Local), Atshira (Local), T6, BARI Til-3, BARI Til-4 and Binatil-2. RDF indicates a nutrient schedule of 56:72:23 kg N, P2O5, and K2O ha-1. The effect of nutrient levels, varieties, and their interaction showed significant variation in respect of yield contributing parameters, yield, and harvest index. Results revealed that in nutrient levels, 100% of RDF produced the highest seed yield (1223 kg ha-1). The least seed yield was observed with 150% of RDF (924 kg ha-1). Among the sesame varieties,BARI Til-4 showed the optimum growth and yield contributing parameters as a result highest seed yield (1170 kg ha-1). The lowest seed yield was obtained from Laltil (811.30 kg ha-1). The interaction effect was found significant where highest seed yield of 1481 kg ha-1 with 100% of RDF combination of sesame var. BARI Til-4. Introduction Sesame (Sesamumindicum L.) commonly known as til in Bengali, belongs to the Sesamum genus of the Pedaliaceae family. It is grown mainly for seeds that contain 46% - 64% oil and 20% protein (Raja et al., 2007). Sesame oil contains good quality poly-unsaturated fatty acids viz., 47% oleic and 39% linoleic acid. The crop is cultivated either as a pure stand or as a mixed crop with aus rice, jute, groundnut, millets, and sugarcane. In Bangladesh, sesame occupies a remarkable area under production and contributes second-ranked production after rapeseed and mustard. Although at present about 3, 21,338hectares of land are under sesame cultivation with a production of 19795 metric tons (BBS, 2020) but land area and production under sesame cultivation is decreasing day by day. In 2009-10, about 36 thousand hectares of land were under sesame cultivation where total production was 32306 metric tons (BBS, 2010). However, the climatic and edaphic conditions of Bangladesh are quite suitable for the cultivation ofsesame. Khulna, Jashore, Faridpur, Barisal, Patuakhali, Rajshahi, Pabna, Rangpur, Sylhet, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Mymensingh districts are the leading sesame producing areas of Bangladesh. Lack of acclimatizing high yielding varieties, poor crop stand establishment, capsule shattering, uneven ripening, lesser fertilizer retorts, abundant branching, indeterminate growth habit, truncated harvest index, and vulnerability to diseases are the restrictivereasons in sesame production worldwide (Tripathy et al., 2019). However, the environmental conditions, agricultural operations such as nutrition, and varieties have an impacton sesame seed yield and its harvest index (Bedigian et al., 1985). This probably indicates a great opportunity for a prolonged and higher increase in the 32 Malek et al. productivity of sesame. To increase the productivity of sesame, various improved technologies are needed and among them, various agro-techniques, isolating location-specific varieties assumes greater significance (Myint et al., 2020). In particular, variety, sowing time, population density and/or plant spacing, and fertilizermanagement in the soil play significant roles as determinants of seed yield. There are several modern varieties available in Bangladesh; but, the farmers are continuing to grow local varieties. Besides, inappropriate use of fertilizers is one of the major production constraints. Therefore, adoption of sustainable variety and maintenance of nutrient status in the soil would fulfill the maximizing yield of sesame (Monayem et al., 2015). Higher productivity in any crop can be achieved through a combination of ideal variety associated with appropriate nutrient management practices.Besides, without or little use of fertilizers for sesame is a common practice in in Bangladesh. Keeping all the above facts, the study was undertaken to comparethe varietiesalong with the fertilizer management on sesame growth performance and productivity. Materials and Methods The experiment was carried out at the research field of the Agronomy Department, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during March-June 2014. The experimental field was located at 90° 33′ E longitude and 23° 71′ N latitude at a height of 9 m above the sea level. The climate of the experimental area was sub-tropical and characterized by high temperature, heavy rainfall during Kharif-1 season (March-June), and scanty rainfall during Rabi season (October-March) associated with moderately low temperature (Khanam et al., 2016). The land belongs to the Agro-ecological zone “Madhupur tract” (AEZ-28) having the Red Brown Trace Soils of Tejgaon series. The soil of the experimental site was well-drained and medium-high. The physical and chemical properties of the soil of the experimental site are silty clay in texture and having soil pH varied from 5.45-5.61. Organic matter content was very low (0.83). The soil physical components such as sand, silt, clay content were26%, 45%, and 29%, respectively, organic carbon 0.45, total N 0.61%, K 0.11 meq 100g soil-1, and P, S, B, and Zn 0.65, 7.74, 0.35 and 3.99 µgg-1 ppm, respectively. The experiment consisted of split-plot design where nutrient levels was placed in main – plot and variety in sub- plot (Table 1). Laltil variety was collected from Ullapara, Sirajgonj where Atshira variety from Khoksha, Kushtia, and rest varieties. T6, (BARI Til-3, and BARI Til-4) from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydeppur, Gazipur. The variety Binatil 2 was collected from the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA). The treatments in main –plot were nutrient levels viz. N1 = 75% of RDF(43:54:23 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) N2 = 100% of RDF(58:72:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) N3 = 125% of RDF(72:90:38 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) N4 = 150% of RDF(86:108:45 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) and sub plot treatments were as V1 = Laltil (Local), V2 = Atshira (Local) V3 = T-6 V4 = BARI Til-3 V5 = BARI Til-4 V6 = Binatil 2 The fertilizers used in the study were urea, Tripple superphosphate (TSP), and Muriate of potash (MoP) to supply N, P, and K, respectively (FRG, BARC, 2012). Before sowing seeds, the percentage of germination was found over 95. Row spacing was 30 cm with seed rate 5 Kg /ha. Seeds were placed 2- 3 cm depth in rows and seeds were covered with loose soil properly. The thinning operation was done for ensuring the optimum plant populations. All other recommended agronomic practices were followed (BARI, 2013). Regular observations were made to observe the growth stages of the crop. The data collected on different parameters were statistically analyzed by using the MSTATC computer Performance of Sesame(Sesamumindicum L.) Varieties 33 package program and treatment means were compared by LSD test at 5% level of probability (Gomez and Gomez, 1984). Results and Discussion Effect of nutrient levels on yield attributes A significant variation was observed for the number of capsule plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, capsule length, and weight of 1000- seedsdue to the application of different nutrient levels on sesame (Table 2). Regarding nutrient levels, the number of capsules plant-1 was maximum (77.28) from 100% of RDF (N2) followed by N3 (125% of RDF). loweR number of capsule plant-1 (63.83) was recorded from 75% of RDF (N1) which was statistically similar with N4 (150% of RDF). Bennet et al. (1996) also found an increased number of capsules plant-1 with Napplication up to 120 kg ha-1. Each successive increase in the dose of N up to 60 kg ha-1 significantly increased the capsules plant-1 (Prakash et al., 2001). Nahar et al. (2008) indicated that the number of capsules plant-1 increased significantly up to 100 kg N ha-1. Significantly higher seed yield was recorded with 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 due to an increase in capsules plant-1 (Prakasha and Thimmegowda, 1992). Mian et al. (2011) opined that the highest number of capsules plant-1 was recorded with 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. Increasing the level of K from 100 to 150 percent of the recommended dose, the number of capsules plant-1 of Sesamum increased significantly (Subrahmaniyan et al., 2001).The number of seeds capsule-1 was maximum (79.53) from 100% of RDF (N2) followed by N3 (125% of RDF). The lowest number of seeds capsule-1 (72.76) was recorded from 150% of RDF (N4) which was statistically similar with N1 (125% of RDF). Nahar et al. (2008) also indicated that the seeds capsule-1 increased significantly up to 100 kg N ha-1. Kathiresan (1999) indicated that the P level of 35 kg ha-1 influenced the number of seeds capsule-1 of Sesamum. Application of potassium markedly increased the number of seeds capsule-1 (Mandal et al., 1992). Tiwari et al. (1994) was found that the application of K2O significantly increased the seeds capsule-1 of Sesamum. The capsule length was maximum (3.19 cm) from 100% of RDF (N2) followed by N3 (125% of RDF). The lowest capsule length (2.13 cm) was recorded from 150% of RDF (N4) which was statistically similar with N1 (75% of RDF). Mian et al. (2011) opined that the highest capsule length was recorded with 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 compared to 70 and 110 kg P2O5 ha-1. Tiwari et al. (1994) was found that the application of K2O significantly increased the capsule length of sesame. The weight of 1000-- seeds was highest (2.78 g) from 100% of RDF (N2) followed by N3 (125% of RDF). The lowest weight of 1000- seeds (2.60 g) was recorded from 75% of RDF (N1) which was statistically similar with N4 (150% of RDF). Ghosh and Patra (1994) recorded a higher 1000 -seeds weight of Sesamum upto 60 kg N ha-1. Each successive increase in the dose of N up to 60 kg ha-1 significantly increased 1000 -seeds weight (Prakash et al., 2001). Nahar et al. (2008) indicated that the 1000- seeds weight increased significantly up to 100 kg N ha-1. Mian et al. (2011) opined that the highest 1000 - seeds weight was recorded with 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. Application of potassium markedly increased the 1000- seeds weight (Mandal et al., 1992). Prakasha and Thimmegowda (1992) reported 53 percent increased seed yield with higher N rate due to enhanced value of yield attributes viz., capsules plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, capsule length, and weight of 1000 -seeds. Performance of varieties in terms of yield attributes The tested local and modern varieties of sesame varied significantly in number of capsule plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, capsule length, and weight of 1000- seeds (Table 2). The maximum number of capsule plant-1(77.33) was obtained from V5 (BARI Til-4) followed by V4 (BARI Til-3). Table 2. Effect of nutrient levels, variety, and their interaction on yield contributing parameters of sesame Treatment Yield contributing parameters Number of capsule plant-1 Number of seeds capsule-1 1000 -seeds weight (g) Capsule length (cm) Nutrient levels 34 Malek et al. N1 63.83 c 73.05 c 2.60 c 2.18bc N2 77.28 a 79.53 a 2.78 a 2.32 a N3 69.11 b 75.69 b 2.70 b 2.24 b N4 64.28 c 72.76 c 2.62 c 2.13 c LSD0.05 1.21 1.41 0.04 0.06 Varieties V1 56.58 f 65.82 e 2.45 c 2.05 c V2 59.17 e 69.03 d 2.52 c 2.12 b V3 70.25 d 77.66 c 2.73 b 2.26 a V4 76.08 b 79.67 b 2.79ab 2.30 a V5 77.33 a 80.76 a 2.81 a 2.31 a V6 72.33 c 78.62 c 2.75ab 2.28 a LSD0.05 0.93 0.97 0.07 0.05 Combination of nutrient levels and varieties N1V1 58.67jk 68.30hij 2.47 h 2.15ghi N1V2 63.67 hi 72.77 g 2.60 fg 2.17gh N1V3 64.67ghi 72.90 g 2.63 fg 2.17gh N1V4 65.00gh 75.57fg 2.63 fg 2.20fg N1V5 66.33fgh 75.80fg 2.63 fg 2.23ef N1V6 64.67ghi 72.97 g 2.63 efg 2.20fg N2V1 56.33 kl 67.47hij 2.47 h 2.13 hi N2V2 61.67ij 69.43 h 2.53 gh 2.16gh N2V3 76.67 c 82.33bc 2.87 b 2.36bc N2V4 93.00 a 85.33ab 2.97 a 2.42 a N2V5 94.67 a 88.13 a 3.00 a 2.43 a N2V6 81.33 b 84.50 b 2.87 b 2.41ab N3V1 56.00 kl 65.97ij 2.43 h 2.10 i N3V2 59.67 j 68.77 hi 2.50 h 2.15ghi N3V3 72.00 d 78.40def 2.80 bc 2.27 e N3V4 75.33 c 80.10cde 2.83 bc 2.32 cd N3V5 76.67 c 81.20 cd 2.83 bc 2.35 c N3V6 75.00 c 79.70 cd 2.80 bc 2.28 de N4V1 55.33 l 61.53 k 2.43 h 1.82 k N4V2 51.67 m 65.17 j 2.43 h 2.02 j N4V3 67.67fg 77.00ef 2.63 efg 2.23ef N4V4 71.00 de 77.67ef 2.73 cde 2.24ef N4V5 71.67 d 77.90def 2.77bcd 2.24ef N4V6 68.33ef 77.30ef 2.70 def 2.24ef LSD0.05 2.975 3.026 0.090 0.052 In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 0.05 level of probability. Note: N1= 75% of RDF (43:54:23 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N2= 100% of RDF (58:72:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N3= 125% of RDF (72:90:38 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N4= 150% of RDF (86:108:45 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1); V1 = Laltil (Local), V2 = Atshira (Local), V3 = T-6, V4 = BARI Til-3, V5 = BARI Til-4, V6 = Binatil 2 The lowest number of capsule plant-1 (56.58) was observed from local variety V1 (Laltil) followed by local variety V2 (Atshira). El-Serogy et al. (1997), Deshmukh et al. (2005), Kokilavani et al. (2007), and Riaz et al. (2002) indicated that the number of capsules plant-1 differed significantly by different varieties. The maximum number of seeds capsule-1 (80.76) was obtained from V5 (BARI Til-4) followed by V4 (BARI Til-3). The lowest number of seeds capsule-1 (65.82) was observed from local variety V1 (Laltil) followed by local variety V2 (Atshira). Variation in the number of seeds capsule-1 was noticed significantly among varieties (Govindaraju and Balakrishnan, 2002). Ali and Jan (2014) and Chongdar et al. (2015) also observed variation in the number of seeds capsule-1 due to different varietal performance. The maximum capsule length (2.31 cm) was obtained from V5 (BARI Til-4) Performance of Sesame(Sesamumindicum L.) Varieties 35 which was statistically similar with V3 (T-6), V4 (BARI Til-3), and V6 (Binatil 2). The lowest capsule length (2.05 cm) was observed from local variety V1 (Laltil) followed by local variety V2 (Atshira). Riaz et al. (2002) and Lakshmi and Lakshmamma (2005) also found similar results regarding capsule length of sesame and observed that different varieties showed different capsule lengths. The maximum weight of 1000- seeds (2.81 g) was obtained from V5 (BARI Til-4) which was statistically similar to V4 (BARI Til-3) and V6 (Binatil 2). The lowest weight of 1000 -seeds (2.45 g) was observed from local variety V2 (Atshira) which was statistically similar with local varietyV1 (Laltil). Similar results on 1000- seeds weight was found from Rao et al. (1990) and Yadav et al. (1991) which supported the present findings. They observed that the HYV variety gave a higher 1000- seed weight than the local variety. Interaction effect of nutrient levels and varieties on yield attributes Results showed that yield attributes due to the combination between different nutrient levels and varieties were significant (Table 2). The combination of N2V5 showed the maximum number of capsule plant-1 (94.67) which was statistically similar with N2V4 followed by N2V6. The lowest number of capsule plant-1 was recorded from N4V1 (55.33) which were statistically similar with N3V1and N2V1. The maximum number of seeds capsule-1 (88.13) from the N2V5 combination was statistically similar with N2V4 followed by N2V6. The lowest number of seeds capsule-1 was recorded from N4V1 (61.53) followed by N4V2 and N3V1. The maximum capsule length (2.43 cm) was recorded from N2V5which was statistically similar with N2V4 and closely followed by N2V6. The lowest capsule lengthwas recorded from N4V1 (1.82 cm) followed by N4V2. Different varieties had a significant response to different nutrient rates. Similarly, the variety T6 and BARI Til-3 showed increased capsule length up to 100 kg N ha-1 but the variety BARI Til 2 responded up to 150 kg N ha-1 (Nahar et al., 2008).The maximum weight of 1000- seeds (3.00 g) was obtained from the N2V5which was statistically similar with N2V4 followed by N2V3 and N2V6. The lowest weight of 1000- seeds was recorded from N4V1 (2.47 g) which were statistically similar with N2V1, N3V1, N3V2, N4V1 and N4V2. Effect of nutrient levels on yield and harvest index Seed yield, stover yield, and harvest index were significantly influenced due to different nutrient levels (Fig. 1). Seed yield ha-1 was maximum (1223 kg ha-1) from 100% of RDF (N2) followed by N3 (125% of RDF). The lowest seed yield ha-1 (924 kg ha-1) was recorded from 150% of RDF (N4) followed by N1 (75% of RDF). The highest seed yield from 100% of RDF (N2) might be due to the higher number of capsules plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, capsule length, and 1000 - seed weight. Jadhav et al. (1992) also reported that the highest grain yield was recorded when 120 kg N and 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied on account of a higher number of capsules plant-1 and number of seeds capsule-1, which was statistically on par with 120 kg N and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. Seed yield increased for every further increase in the rate of N and K application upto 80 and 60 kg ha-1, respectively (Mandal et al., 1992). Nahar et al. (2008) indicated that the seed yield increased significantly up to 100 kg N ha-1. Kathiresan (1999) indicated that the P level of 35 kgha-1 influenced the seed yield of Sesamum. 36 Malek et al. N1 = 75% of RDF (43:54:23 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N2 = 100% of RDF (58:72:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N3 = 125% of RDF (72:90:38 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N4 = 150% of RDF (86:108:45 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) Fig.1. Seed yield (A), stover yield (B), and harvest index (C)of sesame as influenced by different levels of nutrients (LSD0.05=13.43, 16.45, and 0.679, respectively) The application of potassium markedly increased the seed yield (Mandal et al., 1992). Increasing the level of K from 100 to 150 percent of the recommended dose, the seed yield of sesame increased significantly (Subrahmaniyan et al., 2001). The stover yield ha-1 was highest (1473 kg ha-1) from 100% of RDF (N2) followed by N3 (125% of RDF). The lowest stover yield ha-1 (1274kg ha-1) was recorded from 75% of RDF (N1) which was followed by N4 (150% of RDF). Ali and Jan (2014) reported that plots treated with 120 kg N ha-1 produced maximum stover yield (5351 kg ha-1). Vaghani et al. (2010) reported that significantly higher stover yields were achieved with the fertilizer application of 100 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 80 kg K2O + 40 kg S ha-1. Mian et al. (2011) opined that the highest seed and stover yield was recorded with 90 kg P2O5 ha-1.The harvest index was highest (45.36%) from 100% of RDF (N2) followed by N1 (75% of RDF). The lowest harvest index (41.23%) was recorded from 150% of RDF (N4) which was statistically similar with N3 (125% of RDF). Ali and Jan (2014) reported that 120 kg N ha-1 produced the highest harvest index. Khade et al. (1996) indicated that the harvest index increased with up to 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. The highest harvest index was achieved by the application of 44 kg N and 44 kg P2O5ha-1 (Abdel, 2008). Sarawagi et al. (1995) opined that significant seed yield, stover yield, and harvest index of summer sesame was 60 to 90 kg K2O ha-1. Effect of varieties on yield and harvest index Significant influence was found for seed yield ha-1, stover yield ha-1, and harvest index (%) by different sesame varieties (Figure 2). The maximum seed yield ha-1 (1170 kg ha-1) was obtained from V5 (BARI Til-4) followed by V4 (BARI Til-3). The lowest seed yield ha-1(811.30kg ha-1) was observed from local variety V1 (Laltil) followed by local variety V2 (Atshira). Production capacity of yield contributing characters viz. number of capsules plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, capsule length and weight of 1000- seeds was highest compared to other tested variety and resulted in highest seed yield. Suryabala et al. (2008) and Monpara et al. (2008) also found the yield of sesame varied significantly due to Performance of Sesame(Sesamumindicum L.) Varieties 37 different varieties according to producing capability of yield contributing parameters. The maximum stover yield ha-1 (1476kg ha-1) was obtained from V5 (BARI Til-4) which was statistically similar with V4 (BARI Til-3) and V6 (Bina-til 2) followed by V3 (T-6). The lowest stover yield ha-1 (1139kg ha-1) was observed from local variety V1 (Laltil) followed by local variety V2 (Atshira). Suryabala et al. (2008) and Hamdollah et al. (2009) opined that different Sesamum cultivars showed a significant variation in stover yield. V1 = Laltil (Local), V2 = Atshira (Local), V3 = T-6, V4 = BARI Til-3, V5 = BARI Til-4, V6 = BINAtil 2 Fig. 2. Seed yield (A), stover yield (B), and harvest index (C) of sesame as influenced by different varieties (LSD0.05=16.44, 14.82, and 0.713, respectively) The maximum harvest index (44.22%) was obtained from V5 (BARI Til-4) which was statistically similar toV4 (BARI Til-3). The lowest harvest index (41.60%) was observed from local variety V1 (Laltil) followed by local variety V2 (Atshira). A similar result was also found by Balasubramaniyan et al. (1995) and they opined that different varieties had a significant effect on the harvest index. They also opined that HYV possesses a higher harvest index than the local variety. Ali and Jan (2014) also found significant variation with sesame varieties on seed yield, stover yield, and harvest index. Interaction effect of nutrient levels and varieties on yield and harvest index Statistically, significant variation was observed by the combined effect of different nutrients and varieties regarding seed yield ha-1, stover yield ha-1,and harvest index (%) (Table 3).Results signified that combination between different nutrient levels and varieties, N2V5 listed the maximum seed yield ha-1 (1481 kg ha-1) which was statistically similar with N2V4 followed by N2V6. The lowest seed yield ha-1was recorded from N4V1 (670kg ha-1) which was followed by N4V2.The maximum stover yield ha- 1(1715kg ha-1) resulted in N2V5which was statistically similar with N2V4 followed by N2V6, N2V3,and N3V5. The lowest stover yield ha-1 was recorded from N4V1(1043kg ha-1) which was followed by N4V2 and N3V1. Finally, N2V5showed thatthe maximum harvest index (46.34%) followed by N2V6 and N2V4. The lowest harvest index was recorded from N4V2 (35.87%) followed by N4V1 and N4V5.Bhosaleet al. 38 Malek et al. (2011) found that sesame cv. ‘GujratTil 2’ reported significantly highest seed yield, stover yield, harvest index with the fertilizer application of 25 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 50 kg K2O ha-1. Table 3. Combined effect of different levels of nutrients and varieties on yield and harvest index of sesame Treatment Seed yield ha-1 (kg) Stover yield ha-1 (kg) Harvest index (%) N1V1 908.00 i 1203.00jk 42.85bcde N1V2 965.30 h 1247.00ij 42.66cde N1V3 974.70gh 1280.00ij 44.42 a N1V4 990.70fgh 1317.00gh 41.76 f N1V5 1005.00fg 1343.00 g 40.22 g N1V6 984.00gh 1286.00 hi 41.62 f N2V1 868.00 j 1182.00 k 39.52gh N2V2 961.30 h 1239.00 j 43.53bc N2V3 1161.00 c 1622.00 c 42.10def N2V4 1457.00 a 1706.00 b 43.18bc N2V5 1481.00 a 1715.00 a 36.34 j N2V6 1408.00 b 1664.00 c 42.11def N3V1 798.70 k 1128.00 l 38.91 hi N3V2 958.70 h 1238.00 j 43.62b N3V3 1105.00 d 1512.00 d 42.17def N3V4 1132.00 cd 1530.00 d 41.42 f N3V5 1135.00 cd 1621.00 c 38.15 i N3V6 1120.00 d 1519.00 d 40.32 g N4V1 670.70 m 1043.00 m 36.92 j N4V2 756.00 l 1106.00 l 35.87 k N4V3 1011.0fg 1356.00 g 42.98bcd N4V4 1027.00ef 1468.00ef 39.61gh N4V5 1059.00 e 1489.00 de 39.18 h N4V6 1021.00 f 1438.00 f 42.03ef LSD0.05 33.22 41.16 0.7933 In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 0.05 level of probability. Note: N1= 75% of RDF (43:54:23 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N2= 100% of RDF (58:72:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N3= 125% of RDF (72:90:38 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N4= 150% of RDF (86:108:45 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1); V1 = Laltil (Local), V2 = Atshira (Local), V3 = T-6, V4 = BARI Til-3, V5 = BARI Til-4, V6 = Binatil 2 Conclusion The combined effect of nutrient levels, 100% of RDF (58 -72- 30 Kg N P205K20/ ha) with variety. BARI til-4produced the highest seed yield (1481 kg ha-1) and oil yield (670 kg ha-1). .Hence, it is concluded that the combination of 100% of RDF and var. BARI Til-4is conductive to produce maximum seed yield (kg ha-1) of sesame in Bangladesh. References Abdel, R.A.E. 2008. Response of sesame to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization in Northern Sudan. J. Appl. Biosci. 8(2): 304-308. Balasubramaniyan, P., P. Gnanamurthy and V. Dharmalingam. 1995. Response oj irrigated sesame varieties to planting density and nitrogen. Sesame Safflower Newsl. 10: 59-62. 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