MERCURY SESAME SEED TS-05

The Government of Pakistan, through various agricultural research institutions and initiatives, has developed comprehensive guidelines for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivation. 1. Sowing Time and Seed Rate

Optimal Sowing Period: Mid-June to mid-July, aligning with the monsoon season.Seed Rate: 1.0 to 1.5 kg per acre for row planting; 1.5 to 2.0 kg per acre for broadcasting

2. Land Preparation and Planting

Soil Requirements: Well-drained, medium to light soils with a pH of 5–8.Planting Methods: Manual sowing or mechanical seeding using hand-operated seeders.Row Spacing: 45 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants.Seed Depth: 2 to 2.5 cm, adjusted based on soil type and variety. ​

3. Fertilization

Nutrient Requirements: 34 kg Nitrogen (N), 23 kg Phosphorus (P), and 12 kg Potash (K) per acre.Fertilizer Application: One bag of DAP, one bag of area-specific fertilizer, and one bag of SOP/MOP. Nitrogen should be applied in splits: one at sowing and the remaining during rainfall events. ​

4. Irrigation

Water Requirements: Sesame is drought-resistant but requires 300–800 mm of annual rainfall for reasonable yields.Irrigation Schedule: Two to three irrigations are recommended: first, 15–20 days after germination; second, at flowering; and third, during pod formation.

5. Pest and Disease Management

Common Diseases: Charcoal rot, Alternaria leaf spot, bacterial blight, and phyllody. Control Measures: Use of healthy, resistant seed varieties; seed treatment with systemic fungicides like captafol or Dithane M-45 at 2–3 gm/kg of seed; and appropriate cultural practices such as crop rotation and proper tillage.

6. Harvesting

Maturity Period: Sesame matures in about 100–120 days.Harvesting Indicators: When 75% of the capsules have ripened and turned yellow.Post-Harvest Handling: Bundles should be made and stacked upright for drying. Threshing should occur one week after harvesting in clear weather, ensuring seeds are dried to at least 10% moisture content before storage.