GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) TO FOLIAR AND SOIL APPLIED FERTILIZER IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

The use of different forms of chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer has its advantages and disadvantages in the context of nutrient supply, crop growth and environmental quality. The experiment was conducted during the 2011 cropping season at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi to assess the response of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to foliar and soil applied fertilizers. The experimental design was split plot (2x4) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Before the commencement of the experiments, soil samples were collected for analysis. Treatments combinations were made up of two sesame varieties (E8 and SN603) as main plots while NPK 15:15:15, compost plus, foliar and control as sub-plots. Data collected include; days to 50% flowering, numbers of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight (g), seed yield (t/ha), etc. Data were analyzed using Genstat Release 7.2 DE (LAT. 2007). Result of the soil analysis showed that, nutrient status of the soil was low for sesame production. The result of seed yield (kg/ha) showed significant difference among the fertilizer types. The highest seed yield was obtained from inorganic fertilizer (359.0kg/ha) followed by organic compost plus (252.0kg/ha) and the least was from foliar fertilizer (194.0kg/ha). At interactions, seed yield (kg/ha) showed significant difference. The highest seed yield was obtained from E8 and inorganic fertilizer at interaction (396/kg/ha). Therefore, application of E8 and NPK 15:15:15 in combination is highly recommended for high yield of sesame seeds.