Sesamum Nutrient Mastery Quiz Quiz

Explore key aspects of sesamum (sesame) nutrition in agriculture, including nutrient management, deficiency symptoms, and best practices for optimizing yield and quality.

1. Macro Nutrient Requirement

   Which macronutrient is considered most critical for healthy vegetative growth in sesamum (sesame) plants?

   1. Potassium
   2. Phosphorus
   3. Nitrogen
   4. Calcium

   Explanation: Nitrogen is vital for promoting vegetative growth and leaf development in sesamum, making it essential for high yields. Phosphorus is important for root and seed development but less so for foliage. Potassium aids in stress resistance and seed quality, while calcium is needed mainly for cell wall structure but is not a limiting nutrient in most soils for sesamum.

2. Deficiency Symptom Identification

   Yellowing of lower leaves in sesamum plants often indicates a deficiency of which nutrient?

   1. Magnesium
   2. Nitrogen
   3. Sulphur
   4. Zinc

   Explanation: Nitrogen deficiency typically causes yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves as plants mobilize nitrogen to new tissues. Zinc deficiency usually leads to stunted growth and leaf bronzing. Magnesium deficiency can also cause yellowing but often starts between leaf veins. Sulphur deficiency shows similar symptoms as nitrogen but generally on newer leaves.

3. Fertilizer Application Timing

   For optimal nutrient uptake, at which stage should the first topdressing of nitrogen fertilizer be applied in sesamum cultivation?

   1. During pod setting
   2. Just before harvest
   3. At seed maturity
   4. At 3-4 leaf stage

   Explanation: Applying nitrogen at the 3-4 leaf stage ensures availability during early growth when demand is high. Later applications, such as during pod setting or seed maturity, are less effective for vegetative growth. Fertilizing just before harvest is generally not recommended as it does not benefit yield.

4. Micronutrient Importance

   Zinc is a crucial micronutrient in sesamum cultivation because it:

   1. Is a major component of chlorophyll
   2. Helps hormone production and enzyme function
   3. Reduces soil pH
   4. Acts primarily as an energy source

   Explanation: Zinc is involved in hormone synthesis and enzyme activation, supporting plant metabolism. It is not a structural component of chlorophyll (that is magnesium). While excessive zinc can affect soil pH, its main role is not to alter pH directly. Zinc does not act as an energy source for plants.

5. Balanced Nutrition Practices

   Which practice best ensures balanced nutrition in sesamum crop production?

   1. Exclusive use of organic manure
   2. Restricting nutrients to only nitrogen
   3. Soil testing before fertilizer application
   4. Random fertilizer application

   Explanation: Soil testing provides information on nutrient status and guides precise fertilizer application, preventing deficiencies or toxicities. Random application may cause imbalance. Solely using organic manure may not meet all requirements. Limiting to only nitrogen ignores the need for other essential nutrients.