Growing Food: A Guide to Food Production

YIELD

Sesame yields are generally low, although it should be noted that sesame is very
often grown under the most marginal conditions. Dryland crops rarely yield more
than one MT/ha, and average irrigated crop yields are less than two tonne/ha. In
many dry, infertile areas yields average 200–300 kg/ha.
FAO’s estimate of global average yield for 2004 was 489 kg/ha, the highest
average being recorded in Lebanon (3.13 MT/ha), and the lowest in Cameroon

One major problem with sesame is that most varieties are “dehiscent” - their seed
pods open when they are mature (they are said to “shatter”) and the seed falls to the
ground and is lost. However the pods are carried nearly upright on the stem so that if
the plants themselves are also kept upright after harvest only a few seeds are lost. If
the plants bend or fall over, or if they are not carried upright and handled carefully
before threshing, large yield loss can occur.
Unfortunately the “non-dehiscent” varieties that are currently being developed
often have lower yields and may be difficult to thresh. Clearly, the yield of oil is also
low.

UTILISATION

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  and does not turn rancid or smell bad due to the presence of phenolic material. It

  
  

Sesamin is extracted from the oil and is added to the natural insecticide

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mean that much of the seed is often left in the field. The non-dehiscent varieties

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  minimum soil temperature of about 20°C. A soil crust, or “cap”, hinders

  
  

(138 kg/ha).

200 TONY WINCH

Grain—a valuable food, containing 20–25% protein, normally made into

halvah, stews, soups, porridges or sweets, or sprinkled onto bread, cakes, etc.

Oil—the grain contains 45–60% of a highly unsaturated oil, which is very stable

Whole plant—in India the plant has several interesting medicinal uses.

LIMITATIONS

Young leaves—sometimes included in soups and stews.

Pyrethrum to increase its effectiveness. In India the oil is used for lighting. The

is mainly used for cooking, and also for making perfumes and medicines.

presscake (oilcake) is valued as animal food.

Dehiscent, or shattering, seed pods (hence the expression “Open sesame!”)

Sesame has a reputation for producing low yields, though this is not altogether

tend to have lower yields and may be difficult to thresh.

surprising as it is often grown in the most marginal conditions.

seedling emergence.

production.

It is sensitive to excessive soil water and frost, and needs plenty of heat for oil

The seedlings are weak, and susceptible to attack by many pests and diseases;

A very fine seedbed must be prepared, which must have adequate moisture and a

they also need to be well weeded.