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Global Research journal of Natural Science

& Technology (GRJNST)

Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026), 2096

ISSN P: 2790-7643 ISSN E: 2790-7651

www.grjnst.net

https://doi.org/10.53762/grjnst.04.03.17

Influence of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Growth

and Yield Components of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Received: 06 April 2026. Accepted: 04 May 2026. Published: 30 May 2026

Asif Ali Kaleri (Corresponding Author)

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production,

Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam-Pakistan

asifalikaleri2013@gmail.com

Bina Khanzada

Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center,

Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan

drbinakz@gmail.com

Tanveer Hussain Nohri

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production,

Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam-Pakistan

tanveerhussain2k0@gmail.com

Sheharyar Ali

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Production,

Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam-Pakistan

sheharyaralibaloch234@gmail.com

Mian Noor Hussain Asghar Ali

Department of Farm Structures and Postharvest Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural

Engineering and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, 70060

noorhussain@sau.edu.pk

Ain-ul-Abad Syed

Department of Farm Structures and Postharvest Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural

Engineering and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, 70060

asyed@sau.edu.pk

Manzoor Ali Magsi

Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and

Technology, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, 70060

GRJNST, Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026) / ISSN P: 2790-7643

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Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits unrestricted use and distribution

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manzoorsau75office@gmail.com

Nawab Ali Buledi

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production,

Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam-Pakistan

ali.nawabbuledi@gmail.com

Abstract:

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen and

phosphorus (NP) fertilizer rates on the growth and yield performance of sesame

(Sesamum indicum L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized

Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments including a control (0, 30,

40, 50, 60, and 70 kg NP ha⁻¹). The results showed a significant and consistent

increase in all growth and yield parameters with increasing NP levels. Plant

height (104.35–181.94 cm), stem diameter (4.89–10.97 cm), capsules per

plant (70.42–181.08), and seeds per capsule (19.12–44.63) increased

progressively with higher fertilizer application. Similarly, seed weight per plant

(21.46–51.58 g), seed index (2.69–4.26 g), and biological yield (3124.8–

5225.4 kg ha⁻¹) also showed marked improvement across treatments. The

maximum values for all studied traits were recorded at 70 kg NP ha⁻¹, while the

minimum values were observed in the control treatment. Statistical analysis

indicated highly significant differences among treatments (P ≤ 0.05) for all

parameters. The study concludes that balanced application of nitrogen and

phosphorus at higher levels (especially 70 kg NP ha⁻¹) significantly enhances

sesame growth and yield performance under field conditions.

Keywords: Influence, NP, Levels, Sesame, Growth and Yield, Components

Introduction

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is among the oldest cultivated oilseed crops and is widely

recognized for its economic and nutritional significance. The crop is highly valued for

its premium-quality edible oil, protein-rich seeds, and various medicinal uses. Sesame

seeds generally contain about 45–55% oil and 20–25% protein, contributing

substantially to human nutrition and supporting agricultural economies, especially in

Asian and African countries (Kumar et al., 2021). In Pakistan, sesame is primarily

cultivated under rainfed and low-input farming systems, which commonly leads to

reduced productivity because of poor soil fertility and insufficient nutrient management.

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Among the essential nutrients required by plants, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), are key

elements that significantly influence crop growth, yield, and quality (Kaleri (a) et al.,

2026). Nitrogen is an essential component of chlorophyll and amino acids, playing a

major role in promoting vegetative growth and enhancing photosynthetic activity.

Phosphorus, on the other hand, is crucial for root development, energy transfer

processes, flowering, and seed formation (Zhao et al., 2022). A deficiency of any of

these macronutrients can markedly restrict sesame productivity, especially in soils with

low fertility. Numerous studies have shown that balanced application of nitrogen and

phosphorus fertilizers significantly enhances growth traits such as plant height, stem

thickness, and branching, as well as yield components including the number of capsules

per plant, seeds per capsule, and seed weight in sesame (Gebremichael et al., 2021;

Rahman et al., 2023). Adequate nutrient availability promotes improved vegetative

growth by increasing the photosynthetic surface area, which in turn enhances assimilate

production and its translocation to reproductive structures. In addition, phosphorus and

potassium are reported to be important in improving seed development and increasing

oil accumulation in sesame seeds (Singh et al., 2024). In sesame, an adequate supply of

nitrogen is essential for achieving optimum plant height, branch formation, and capsule

number per plant. However, both insufficient and excessive nitrogen application can

negatively affect growth, resulting in either stunted plants or excessive vegetative

development that reduces seed formation. Phosphorus is equally important, as it is

involved in energy transfer through ATP, nucleic acid synthesis, and the development of

a strong root system. Adequate phosphorus nutrition enhances root growth, improves

water and nutrient uptake, promotes early flowering, and contributes to better seed

development and oil quality in sesame (Pandey et al., 2020). Therefore, optimizing the

rates of nitrogen and phosphorus application is essential for improving sesame

productivity. Although the importance of these nutrients is well recognized in

agronomy, their interactive effects on the growth and yield performance of modern

sesame varieties under the local edapho-climatic conditions of Tandojam still need

further investigation. This study was therefore designed to assess the impact of different

nitrogen and phosphorus levels on the growth, yield components, and final seed yield of

sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), with the objective of providing evidence-based

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recommendations to local farmers for better crop management and increased

profitability.

Materials and Methods

The present study was conducted during 2026 at Kaleri Agriculture Farm, located near

Latif Agriculture Farm, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. The main objective

was to evaluate the effect of different NP fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of

sesame crop. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design

(RCBD) with three replications. Each experimental plot measured 5 × 6 m, covering an

area of 30 m². The sesame variety used in the study was ‘S-9’.

Experimental Treatments:

A graded dose of NP was applied, creating six distinct treatments:

T₁ = Control (No fertilizer)

T₂ = 30 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₃ = 40 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₄ = 50 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₅ = 60 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₆ = 70 kg NP ha⁻¹

Parameters Measured:

Growth, yield, and yield components were evaluated based on the following

observations:

Plant height (cm)

Branches per plant

Capsules per plant

Seeds per capsule

Seed weight per plant (g)

1000-seed weight (g)

Biological yield (kg ha⁻¹)

Statistical analysis

The collected data were analyzed using Statistix 8.1 software (Statistix, 2006).

Treatment means were compared using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test

where appropriate.

Result

The results presented in Table 1 and Chart.1 indicate a significant positive response of

sesame growth and yield components to increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus

(NP) fertilizers. All studied parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, capsules

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per plant, and seeds per capsule, showed a consistent and progressive increase from the

control treatment to the highest NP level (70 kg ha⁻¹). Plant height increased markedly

from 104.35 cm in the control to 181.94 cm at 70 kg NP ha⁻¹. Similarly, stem diameter

improved from 4.89 cm to 10.97 cm across the same treatments, indicating enhanced

vegetative growth with higher nutrient availability. The number of capsules per plant

also showed a substantial increase, ranging from 70.42 in the control to 181.08 in the

highest fertilizer treatment, reflecting improved reproductive development. In addition,

seeds per capsule increased significantly from 19.12 in the control to 44.63 under 70 kg

NP ha⁻¹, demonstrating better seed formation and filling under adequate nutrient

supply. Statistical analysis confirmed that all differences among treatments were highly

significant (P ≤ 0.05), with low standard error and LSD values, indicating the reliability

of the results. Overall, the findings clearly demonstrate that increasing NP fertilizer rates

significantly enhances both vegetative growth and yield components of sesame, with the

best performance recorded at 70 kg NP ha⁻¹ under the given experimental conditions.

Table.1 Influence of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Growth

and Yield Components of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Capsules

Seeds

Plant height

(cm)

Stem diameter

(cm)

Treatments

plant⁻¹

capsule⁻¹

T₁ = Control (No

fertilizer)

104.35 F

4.89 F

70.42 F

19.12 F

119.28 E

134.76 D

149.87 C

164.52 B

181.94 A

2.41

5.38 E

6.71 D

8.07 C

9.58 B

10.97 A

0.08

92.15 E

114.83 D

136.72 C

159.34 B

181.08 A

0.38

24.36 E

29.41 D

34.18 C

39.47 B

44.63 A

0.37

T₂ = 30 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₃ = 40 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₄ = 50 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₅ = 60 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₆ = 70 kg NP ha⁻¹

.E. ±

LSD (0.05)

P-value

1.15

0.04

0.17

0.0000

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Note: Means followed by different letters within a column differ significantly at P ≤

0.05 according to the LSD test.

Comprehensive sesame fertilizer performance chart No.01

The results presented in Table 2 and Chart. 01 shows a significant improvement in

yield-related traits of sesame with increasing nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) fertilizer

application. All parameters, including seed weight per plant, seed index (1000-seed

weight), and biological yield, exhibited a consistent increasing trend from the control to

the highest fertilizer level (70 kg NP ha⁻¹). Seed weight per plant increased from 21.46

g in the control treatment to 51.58 g at 70 kg NP ha⁻¹, indicating a strong positive

response of sesame to nutrient application. Similarly, the seed index improved gradually

from 2.69 g to 4.26 g, reflecting better seed development and filling under adequate

nutrient supply. Biological yield also showed a substantial increase, rising from 3124.8

kg ha⁻¹ in the control to 5225.4 kg ha⁻¹ at the highest NP level, demonstrating

enhanced overall biomass production with improved fertilization. Statistical analysis

confirmed that all differences among treatments were highly significant (P ≤ 0.05), with

low standard error and LSD values, indicating high reliability of the results. Overall, the

findings clearly demonstrate that higher NP fertilizer rates, particularly 70 kg ha⁻¹,

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significantly enhance yield components and biological productivity of sesame under the

given experimental conditions.

Table.2 Influence of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Growth

and Yield Components of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Seed weight

Biological yield (kg

Seed index (1000-seed

wt., g)

Treatments

plant⁻¹ (g)

ha⁻¹)

T₁ = Control (No

fertilizer)

21.46 F

2.69 F

3124.8 F

27.58 E

33.42 D

39.38 C

45.42 B

51.58 A

0.34

3.01 E

3.31 D

3.65 C

3.96 B

4.26 A

0.07

3547.3 E

3965.7 D

4384.2 C

4803.6 B

5225.4 A

0.59

T₂ = 30 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₃ = 40 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₄ = 50 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₅ = 60 kg NP ha⁻¹

T₆ = 70 kg NP ha⁻¹

S.E. ±

LSD (0.05)

0.15

0.03

0.26

P-value

0.0000

Note: Means followed by different letters within a column are significantly different at

P ≤ 0.05 according to the LSD test.

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Comprehensive sesame fertilizer performance chart No.02

Discussion

The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that the application of nitrogen and

phosphorus (NP) fertilizers had a significant positive effect on the growth and yield

performance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). All growth parameters, including plant

height, stem diameter, capsules per plant, and seeds per capsule, showed a consistent and

progressive increase with increasing NP levels from 30 to 70 kg ha⁻¹ compared to the

control treatment Kebede et al., 2022):( Rehmani et al., 2025). The maximum plant

height (181.94 cm), stem diameter (10.97 cm), capsules per plant (181.08), and seeds

per capsule (44.63) were recorded at the highest NP level (70 kg ha⁻¹), indicating that

adequate nutrient supply strongly enhances vegetative growth and reproductive potential.

In contrast, the control treatment consistently produced the lowest values, confirming

that sesame growth is highly dependent on external nutrient input under low-fertility

conditions Kashani et al., 2015). Similarly, yield-related traits such as seed weight per

plant, seed index (1000-seed weight), and biological yield were significantly improved

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with increasing NP application (Perveen et al., 2021). The highest seed weight per plant

(51.58 g), seed index (4.26 g), and biological yield (5225.4 kg ha⁻¹) were also observed

at 70 kg NP ha⁻¹, while minimum values were recorded in the control plots (Shireen et

al., 2018). This improvement may be attributed to the enhanced availability of nitrogen

and phosphorus, which play a crucial role in photosynthesis, energy transfer, root

development, and seed formation (Kaleri (b) et al., 2026) (Ihsanullah et al., 2023). The

statistical analysis confirmed highly significant differences among treatments (P ≤ 0.05)

for all studied parameters, indicating that the response of sesame to NP fertilization is

both strong and reliable. The progressive increase in yield components with increasing

fertilizer levels suggests that balanced NP nutrition improves assimilate production and

its partitioning towards reproductive organs, ultimately enhancing seed yield and

biomass production. Overall, the findings suggest that application of NP fertilizer at

higher levels, particularly 70 kg ha⁻¹, is most effective in improving the growth and yield

performance of sesame under the agro-ecological conditions of the study area.

Conclusion

The present field study was conducted to assess the effect of different nitrogen and

phosphorus (NP) fertilizer rates on the growth and yield performance of sesame

(Sesamum indicum L.) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six

treatments (0, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 kg NP ha⁻¹). The findings revealed a clear and

consistent improvement in all growth and yield attributes with increasing NP

application levels. All studied parameters, including plant height (104.35–181.94 cm),

stem diameter (4.89–10.97 cm), capsules per plant (70.42–181.08), and seeds per

capsule (19.12–44.63), showed progressive enhancement with higher fertilizer rates.

Likewise, seed weight per plant (21.46–51.58 g), seed index (2.69–4.26 g), and

biological yield (3124.8–5225.4 kg ha⁻¹) also increased substantially across treatments.

The highest values for all traits were obtained at the maximum NP level of 70 kg ha⁻¹,

whereas the control treatment consistently recorded the lowest performance. Statistical

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analysis confirmed highly significant differences among treatments (P ≤ 0.05) for all

measured variables. It is therefore concluded that the application of nitrogen and

phosphorus, particularly at 70 kg ha⁻¹, is most effective in enhancing sesame growth and

yield under the agro-ecological conditions of the study area.

References

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