Safeguard Sesame Seed with Seed Treatment Tech

Sesame farming is a valuable venture, with global demand for sesame seeds steadily rising due to their culinary and industrial uses.

However, achieving a high-yield, healthy crop starts long before harvest—it begins with the seeds. Protecting your sesame investment with the right seed treatment technology can make all the difference in ensuring robust germination, healthy plant growth, and resistance to pests and diseases.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why seed treatment is critical for sesame crops and how to choose the right technology to maximize your yield.

Why Seed Treatment Matters for Sesame Crops

Sesame seeds are small but mighty, packed with nutrients and potential. However, they are also vulnerable to a range of threats, including soil-borne pathogens, pests, and environmental stressors. Untreated seeds may face:

  • Fungal Diseases: Pathogens like Fusarium and Alternaria can attack seeds early, reducing germination rates and stunting plant growth.
  • Insect Pests: Seedlings are prime targets for pests like aphids and cutworms, which can devastate young plants.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Poor soil conditions can limit nutrient uptake, weakening plants from the start.
  • Environmental Stress: Drought, heat, or excessive moisture can hinder germination and early development.
  • Ant activities: Untreated sesame seed can easily be carry by ant to an undesired location or their nest

Seed treatment technologies act as a first line of defence, protecting seeds from these challenges and giving them a strong start.

By investing in the right treatment, you can improve crop establishment, boost resilience, and ultimately increase your yield and profitability.

Types of Seed Treatment Technologies

Modern seed treatment technologies are designed to address specific challenges faced by sesame crops. Here are the main types to consider:

Chemical Seed Treatments

Chemical treatments, such as fungicides and insecticides, are applied to seeds to protect against diseases and pests. For sesame, fungicides like Metalaxyl or Thiram can prevent damping-off caused by fungi, while insecticides like imidacloprid deter early-season pests. These treatments are highly effective but require careful application to avoid environmental impact or resistance buildup.

Choosing the Right Seed Treatment for Your Sesame Crop

Selecting the best seed treatment technology depends on several factors, including your region, soil conditions, pest pressures, and farming goals.

Here are some tips to guide your decision:

  • Assess Local Threats: Work with local agricultural experts to identify the primary pests and diseases in your area. For example, if Fusarium wilt is prevalent, prioritize fungicide-based treatments.
  • Align with Market Demands: If you’re growing sesame for organic markets, opt for biological treatments to meet certification standards.
  • Evaluate Cost vs. Benefit: High-quality seed treatments may have an upfront cost, but they often pay off through higher yields and reduced crop losses.
  • Follow Application Guidelines: Proper application is critical to ensure effectiveness. Over- or under-treating seeds can reduce benefits or harm the environment.

Benefits of Investing in Seed Treatment

By treating your sesame seeds with the right technology, you can expect:

  • Higher Germination Rates: Treated seeds are more likely to germinate successfully, leading to a denser, more uniform crop stand.
  • Improved Plant Health: Protection against pests and diseases reduces early-season losses and supports vigorous growth.
  • Increased Yield: Healthier plants produce more pods, translating to higher sesame seed output.
  • Sustainability: Biological and nutrient-based treatments reduce reliance on chemical inputs, supporting eco-friendly farming practices.
  • Cost Savings: Preventing crop losses early on reduces the need for costly interventions later in the season.
  • Keep seed on field: Most sesame grower in African (Nigeria) depend on rainfall and choose broadcast method of planting due to insufficient access to mechanization. By treating your seed right, it keep the seed in the field even when there is short time drought

Best Practices for Applying Seed Treatments

To maximize the effectiveness of seed treatments, follow these best practices:

  1. Use High-Quality Seeds: Start with certified, high-quality sesame seeds to ensure the best foundation for treatment ( Ex-Sudan or Jigida).
  2. Apply Treatments Evenly: Use professional seed treatment equipment or work with a certified applicator to ensure consistent coverage.
  3. Store Treated Seeds Properly: Keep treated seeds in cool, dry conditions to maintain their viability and treatment efficacy.
  4. Follow Safety Guidelines: Wear protective gear when handling chemical treatments and dispose of any waste responsibly.
  5. Monitor Crop Performance: Track germination rates and early plant health to evaluate the success of your treatment strategy.

Conclusion

Protecting your sesame investment starts with giving your seeds the best possible start. By choosing the right seed treatment technology—whether chemical, biological, or nutrient-based—you can safeguard your crop against pests, diseases, and environmental challenges. This proactive approach not only boosts your yield but also ensures a more sustainable and profitable harvest. Take the time to assess your farm’s needs, consult with experts, and invest in high-quality seed treatments to secure the future of your sesame crop.

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Germination Failure: A Threat to Sesame Profits

Sesame is a valuable crop grown for its oil-rich seeds, but farmers often face challenges with poor germination, which can significantly impact yield. Several factors contribute to this issue, including insect activity, insufficient moisture, poor seed quality from storage, and other environmental or management-related factors. Below, we explore these causes in detail and provide insights into mitigating them.

 

  1. Insect Activity (Ants and Other Pests)

Insects, particularly ants, can severely affect sesame seed germination. Ants are known to feed on or carry away sesame seeds before they can germinate, especially in dry or sandy soils where seeds are more exposed. Broadcast sesame are severely affected as more than 30% are lost due to ant activities especially in the absence of rain after planting. Other pests, such as beetles or soil-dwelling larvae, may also damage seeds by feeding on their nutrient-rich embryos, preventing successful sprouting.

  • Impact: Ants can remove seeds from planting sites, while other insects may damage the seed coat or consume critical seed tissues, reducing germination rates.
  • Solutions: Use insect-repellent seed treatments (ensure your seed are well treated), such as neem-based coatings, or apply organic pest control methods like diatomaceous earth around planting areas. Monitoring and reducing pest populations before planting can also help.

  1. Insufficient Moisture

Sesame seeds require adequate moisture to initiate germination, as water activates enzymes that break down stored nutrients in the seed. Insufficient soil moisture, often due to irregular rainfall or poor irrigation practices, can halt this process, leaving seeds dormant or causing uneven germination.

  • Impact: Dry soil conditions can delay or prevent seed swelling and root development, leading to low germination rates or weak seedlings.
  • Solutions: Ensure you plant sesame seed when their sufficient moisture and also high probability of rainfall within 1-2 day for even germination.

  1. Poor Seed Quality from Storage

The quality of sesame seeds used for planting is a critical factor in germination success. Seeds stored improperly—exposed to high humidity, extreme temperatures, or pests—can lose viability over time. Fungal infections or mold during storage can also damage seeds, reducing their ability to germinate.

  • Impact: Seeds with compromised embryos or fungal contamination often fail to germinate or produce weak seedlings that cannot survive early growth stages.
  • Solutions: Store sesame seeds in cool, dry, and pest-free conditions, buy sesame seed from a known agro-deale, always buy a well-treated of good variety ( you get Ex-sudan and Jigida variety).  Use seeds within their viability period (typically 1–2 years) and conduct germination tests before planting to ensure quality.

  1. Other Factors Contributing to Poor Germination

Several additional factors can lead to poor germination on sesame farms:

  • Soil Conditions: Compacted or nutrient-poor soils can hinder root development and seedling emergence. Sesame prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 5.5–8.0.
  • Planting Depth: Sesame seeds are small and require shallow planting (1–2 cm). Planting too deep can prevent seedlings from reaching the surface, while planting too shallow may expose seeds to drying out or pest damage.
  • Weed Competition: Weeds can compete with sesame seedlings for water, nutrients, and light, reducing germination success and early growth.

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Conclusion

Poor germination in sesame farming is a multifaceted issue that can stem from insect activity, insufficient moisture, poor seed quality, and other environmental or management factors. By addressing these challenges through proper pest control, timing, seed storage, and soil management, farmers can improve germination rates and establish a strong foundation for a successful sesame crop. Regular monitoring, timely interventions, and adherence to best agricultural practices are key to overcoming these obstacles and maximizing yields

Why Germination and Optimal Population Drive Success in Sesame Farming

Sesame farming is a rewarding venture when done right, but success hinges on key practices that ensure strong germination and optimal plant population. These factors lay the foundation for healthy crops and high yields. Below, we explore the critical elements that drive success in sesame farming.

1. Timing Planting with Rainfall Forecasts

Sesame seeds require consistent moisture for germination, especially in broadcast planting systems. Planting when there’s a high probability of rainfall ensures seeds have the water needed to sprout and establish roots. For rain-fed farms, monitor weather patterns and aim to sow just before or during early rains. This reduces the risk of seed desiccation and promotes uniform germination, setting the stage for a robust plant population.

2. Choosing the Right Seed Variety

A good seed variety  (Ex-sudan for Nigeria) is the backbone of successful sesame production. Opt for high-yielding, locally adapted varieties that are resistant to common pests and diseases. Treating seeds with appropriate fungicides or insecticides before planting provides an extra layer of protection against early-stage insect damage and diseases. Equally important is using the right amount of seed for your farm size—typically 6–10 kg per hectare for broadcasting or 4–6 kg for row planting. Over-seeding can lead to competition, while under-seeding reduces yield potential.

3. Planting at the Right Depth

Planting depth significantly affects germination rates. Sesame seeds are small and should be sown shallowly, ideally 1–2 cm deep, in well-prepared soil. Planting too deep can delay or prevent emergence, as the tiny seeds lack the energy to push through heavy soil layers. Ensure uniform depth across the field to achieve even germination and a balanced plant population.

4. Thorough Land Preparation

Good land preparation creates an ideal seedbed for germination. Clear the field of weeds, till the previous day to break up soil clumps, and incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. A fine, firm seedbed ensures good seed-to-soil contact, which is critical for moisture retention and root development. Proper drainage also minimizes waterlogging, which can harm sesame seedlings in heavy soils.

5. Optimal Spacing

 For row planting, maintain 30–45 cm between rows and 10–15 cm between plants to avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate light and nutrients.

sesame plant

Conclusion

Germination and optimal plant population are the cornerstones of successful sesame farming. By timing planting with rainfall, selecting quality seeds, planting at the right depth, preparing land thoroughly, and addressing additional factors like weed control and soil fertility, farmers can maximize yields and profitability. Attention to these details ensures a thriving sesame crop, ready to meet market demands.

Sesame Crop Farming Guide

Sesame farming is a rewarding agricultural practice that requires careful planning and adherence to best practices to ensure a successful harvest. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the essential steps involved in cultivating sesame crops, from land preparation to harvesting. Designed for farmers and agricultural enthusiasts, it covers critical aspects such as soil requirements, seed sowing, fertilizer management, weed control, pest and disease management, and harvesting techniques.

Land Preparation and Soil Requirement

 

  • Harrow the soil to a fine tilth for effective performance of the crop.
  • Pre-planting herbicide, Glyphosate at the rate of 4 L/ha should be sprayed two weeks to planting.
  • Sesame is adaptable to many types of soil but it does best on well-drained sandy loam soil.
  • The crop is usually produced on upland plains while depressions and valleys are generally unsuitable.
  • Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought.
  • Good drainage is crucial, as sesame is very susceptible to short periods of waterlogging.
  • Sesame is intolerant of very acidic or saline soils.
  • The optimum pH for growth ranges from 5.4 to 6.7.

Seed Rate and Time of Sowing

  • Recommended seed rate is 8 kg/ha for broadcasting and 4 kg/ha for drilling methods.
  • Sesame seed should be treated with any of these seed treatments (mefenoxam or cymoxanil or seed care or disease force or combination).
  • Recommended practice for a sole crop of sesame is to plant on a flat bed with 60 cm between rows and 10 cm within rows.
  • Planting on ridges with 75 cm between rows and 15 cm within rows can be adopted when sesame is intercropped with another crop.
  • Due to the small size of sesame seeds, sowing depth should not be more than 2.5 cm.
  • Planting sesame is the most critical phase of its management.
  • Successful establishment of sesame requires careful seedbed preparation and close attention to soil moisture.
  • The crop can be grown twice as an early or late crop, or once a year depending on the ecological zone.
  • In the Sudan savanna zones, broadcasting should be done within the end of June and early July while in the Guinea Savanna zones, it is done within late July to early August.
  • Soil moisture must be sufficient to guarantee good germination.
  • The critical stage of water requirement is during the flowering stage.
  • Thinning should be done when the plants attain a height of 10–15 cm to remove the weak and diseased plants.

Fertilizer Management with 4R Nutrient Stewardship

  • Sesame requires: 60–70 kg Nitrogen/ha, 20–30 kg Phosphorus, 20–30 kg Potassium/ha.
  • Apply 2 bags of 50 kg (100 kg) Indorama NPK fertilizer as basal dose during land preparation.
  • Apply 2 bags of 50 kg (100 kg) Indorama Neem Coated Urea at 3 weeks of sowing and again 2 bags of 50 kg (100 kg) Indorama Neem Coated Urea should be incorporated at 5 weeks after sowing.
  • Indorama Fertilizer: Improving Agriculture, Improving Lives

How to Reduce Fertilizer Loss

  • Apply only the recommended dose of urea fertilizer.
  • Split application of urea fertilizer.
  • Use dribbling as method of urea fertilizer application.
  • Avoid broadcast method of fertilizer application to avoid wastage.
  • Apply urea fertilizer late in the evening or early in the morning.
  • Apply urea fertilizer after weeding to avoid competition from indigenous weeds.
  • Proper water management practices (avoid excessive irrigation).
  • Proper drainage will reduce urea fertilizer loss due to runoff.

Weed Control

  • Sesame grows slowly during the early stages and is not strongly competitive with weeds.
  • Poor weed control early in the life of the crop can result in greatly reduced crop yields.
  • Weed control is achieved via thorough land preparation, appropriate use of fertilizer and keeping the surroundings of farm weed-free.
  • Hoe weeding is done at least twice at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing.
  • Use of pre-emergence herbicide (Pendimethalin 750/ha) and post-emergence herbicide (Quizalofop-ethyl 40/ha). Alternatively clethodim or haloxyfop as post-emergence at 20 days after sowing.

Pest and Diseases Management

  • Pest and diseases are generally less in sesame fields.
  • Caterpillar and gall fly are the common pests of sesame.
  • Employ seed treatment to control seed-borne diseases.
  • Use of fungicide (Azoxystrobin) if notice of fungal infection.

Harvesting

  • Harvest Sesame when the leaves and stem change from green to yellow, if the leaves are still drop from plants.
  • Harvesting is delayed, shattering of the capsules will result in seed loss.
  • Harvested plants should be stacked in the field for a few days to dry before stripping the pods.
  • Drying should continue under the sun for 6–7 days until the moisture content is reduced.
  • Sesame seed is best stored unshelled and in cool conditions.

You can download the PDF guide

Sesame farming guide

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Why You Should Start Growing Sesame

Sesame, also known as benne, is a remarkable crop with deep roots in human history and global cuisine. The global sesame market is a fast-growing market worth around $10 billion, with a 7% annual growth rate. Farmers should consider cultivating sesame for several compelling reasons, based on its agricultural, economic, and environmental benefits:

High Market Demand and Profitability: Sesame is a high-value crop with strong global demand, particularly in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Its seeds are used in products like tahini, oil, and baked goods, with export markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East offering lucrative opportunities.

Low Input Requirements: Sesame is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides compared to crops like maize or soybeans. It thrives in semi-arid conditions, making it suitable for regions with low rainfall or poor soil fertility.

Drought and Heat Tolerance: Sesame is highly resilient to drought and high temperatures, ideal for farmers in areas prone to climate variability. It can grow in temperatures between 20°C and 40°C and requires only 400–600 mm of rainfall annually. Recent studies have shown that sesame can maintain performance under water-limiting conditions that reduced cotton yields by 40% and can thrives at temperatures (+120F°) that will wilt other crops.

 

Short Growing Cycle: Sesame has a growing period of 90–120 days, allowing farmers to harvest quickly and potentially integrate it into crop rotations or double-cropping systems, maximizing land use and income.

Soil Health Benefits: Sesame has a deep root system that improves soil structure and reduces erosion. It also leaves minimal residue, making it easier to prepare fields for subsequent crops. Additionally, it can be grown in rotation with legumes or cereals to enhance soil fertility.

Smallholder-Friendly: Sesame is well-suited for small-scale farmers due to its low capital investment and adaptability to manual farming techniques. It can be grown on small plots, providing a viable income source for rural households

Climate-Smart Crop: With climate change impacting agriculture, sesame’s resilience to heat, drought, and pests makes it a sustainable choice for future-proofing farming operations.

By cultivating sesame, farmers can diversify income, improve resilience to environmental challenges, and tap into growing global markets, all while maintaining sustainable farming practices