Development of Production Protocols for Local Sesame Varieties in a Tropical Agro-Ecological Setting

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an ancient oilseed crop valued worldwide for its high?quality edible oil and protein. In the Philippines, sesame remains a minor crop compared to staples like rice and corn, despite its potential to enhance farmer livelihoods and nutrition. Expanding local sesame production could reduce dependence on imports, diversify income sources, and provide healthier oil alternatives for consumers. Productivity, however, is constrained by limited adoption of improved agronomic practices and a lack of varietal evaluation under local conditions. Addressing these challenges through research on fertilizer management and varietal performance across seasonal environments is essential to unlock sesame’s potential as a profitable and sustainable crop. This study assessed sesame growth and yield under varying fertilizer treatments across wet and dry seasons (2022–2023). Results showed that the FT2 treatment (60-60-60 NPK/ha) + 10 bags organic fertilizer/ha) consistently produced the highest seed yield in both seasons (352.58 kg/ha in wet; 200.67 kg/ha in dry), along with superior capsule and seed counts. Among the tested varieties, black sesame (V2) outperformed brown sesame (V1), recording a significantly higher mean seed yield (321 kg/ha vs. 281 kg/ha). Although fertilizer rates did not significantly affect plant height, brown sesame produced taller plants. Findings highlight the benefits of organic fertilizer supplementation and the profitability of black sesame. Beyond supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), this research demonstrates practical strategies for resilient cropping systems, reduced reliance on imports, and sustainable farmer incomes in the Philippines.