Common fungal infections plaguing sesame crops

“I lost everything growing sesame. My yield was pitiful, barely covering costs. Sesame farming isn’t for me—it’s not profitable. Diseases and fungi have cursed my fields, destroying my crops.” These are the anguished cries of inexperienced farmers, unaware of the science and skill needed to master sesame cultivation. Like all agriculture, sesame farming isn’t a game of chance or a quick scheme—it’s a craft rooted in understanding plant needs and combating their diseases.

In today’s blog post, we explore  and share practical solutions to help farmers safeguard their yields, protect their profits, and avoid devastating losses.

Common Fungal Diseases in Sesame

Alternaria Leaf Spot

Alternaria Leaf Spot

A Small, dark brown to black spots with concentric rings on leaves, often leading to premature leaf drop. Severe infections can affect stems and pods, reducing seed quality.

Impact: Reduced photosynthesis, lower seed yield, and poor oil content.

Cercospora Leaf Spot

Irregular grayish-white spots with dark borders on leaves, which may coalesce, causing large dead areas. Infected leaves may yellow and drop prematurely.

Impact: Decreased leaf area, reduced seed weight, and lower yield.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White to grayish powdery patches on leaves and stems, which may turn yellow or brown over time. Severe cases lead to distorted leaves and stunted growth.

Impact: Reduced photosynthesis and poor seed development.

Fusarium Wilt

Wilting, yellowing, and drooping of leaves, often starting from the lower part of the plant. Vascular tissues may show brown discoloration, and plants may die prematurely.

Impact: Complete plant loss in severe cases, leading to significant yield reduction.

Solutions for Managing Fungal Diseases in Sesame

Effective management of fungal diseases in sesame requires an integrated approach combining cultural, biological, and chemical strategies. Below are practical solutions to prevent and control these diseases:

Cultural Practices
  • Crop Rotation: Rotate sesame with non-host crops like cereals or legumes for 2–3 years to break the disease cycle and reduce soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium
  • Field Sanitation: Remove and destroy crop residues after harvest to eliminate fungal spores. Avoid planting sesame in fields with a history of fungal diseases.
  • Proper Spacing: Use adequate plant spacing to improve air circulation, reducing humidity around plants and minimizing conditions favorable for diseases like powdery mildew.
  • Timely Planting: Plant sesame early in the season to avoid peak disease periods, especially for diseases like charcoal rot, which thrive under high temperatures and drought.
  • Water Management: Avoid waterlogging and ensure proper drainage, as excessive moisture promotes diseases like Fusarium wilt and charcoal rot.
Chemical Control

Chemical control is a very effective way to control fungi in sesame farm which can be done by either effective seed treatment of the use of fungicide

Fungicides: Apply fungicides like Azoxystrobin, Difenoconazole, carbendazim, mancozeb, or copper-based fungicides for foliar diseases such as Alternaria and Cercospora leaf spots. For powdery mildew, sulfur-based fungicides or triazoles may be effective. Always follow local regulations and recommended application rates.

Seed Treatment: Treat seeds with fungicides like thiram or captan before planting to protect against soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium and Macrophomina.

Timing: Apply fungicides at the first sign of disease or as a preventive measure during high-risk periods (e.g., high humidity or warm temperatures).

For Farmer in Nigeria and many African country can use the following Fungicide for fungi treatment in sesame field.

 5Star by Rainbow

Active ingredient: Azoxystrobin 200g/l + Difenoconazole125g/l

Application rate: 500ml/ha (30-40ml per 20lt Knapsack)

Blue Snow by SARO

Active ingredient: Azoxystrobin 200g/l + Difenoconazole125g/l

Application rate: 500ml/ha (30-40ml per 20lt Knapsack)

 

Monitoring and Early Detection
  • Regularly scout fields for early signs of fungal diseases, especially during flowering and pod formation stages when sesame is most vulnerable.
  • Use diagnostic tools or consult local agricultural extension services to confirm the presence of specific pathogens and tailor control measures accordingly

Conclusion

Fungal diseases pose a significant challenge to sesame production, but with proactive management, their impact can be minimized. By adopting resistant varieties, practicing good field hygiene, and using targeted chemical control, farmers can protect their sesame crops and ensure healthy yields. Regular monitoring and adapting to local conditions are key to staying ahead of these diseases.

Happy farming, and may your sesame fields thrive!

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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