Explore the basics of sesamum (sesame) crop sowing seasons, ideal climate conditions, and related agricultural practices. Perfect for beginners in agriculture seeking essential facts about oilseed crops.
Which is the most suitable month for sowing sesamum in northern India to ensure good establishment and yield?
Explanation: June is ideal for sowing sesamum in northern India as it coincides with the onset of the monsoon, providing sufficient moisture for germination. February is too early and may not provide adequate warmth, November is too late in the season, and August can result in poor crop establishment due to potential excess rain.
When is sesamum commonly sown in southern India where different rainfall patterns occur?
Explanation: Sesamum is typically sown in October-November in southern India due to the retreating monsoon, which ensures adequate moisture. May-June is generally too dry, December-January is too late for proper growth, and March-April does not align with main rainfall periods.
What could happen if sesamum seeds are sown much earlier than the recommended sowing period in rainfed conditions?
Explanation: Sowing sesamum too early, before adequate soil moisture, can lead to poor germination due to dry conditions. Higher disease resistance and increased oil content are not direct consequences of sowing time, while uniform flowering is less likely if seeds are stressed at emergence.
Which climate characteristic is preferred at the time of sowing sesamum to achieve good seedling emergence?
Explanation: Warm temperatures and moderate rainfall promote good seedling emergence for sesamum. Cool nights can stress seedlings, high humidity and frost are risky for development, and strong winds with low rainfall often cause desiccation and poor stand establishment.
Sesamum is often grown as an intercrop during which season in rainfed areas?
Explanation: In rainfed areas, sesamum is commonly grown as an intercrop during the kharif season because of the monsoon rains. Rabi is the winter cropping season and less favorable for sesamum, zaid is a short summer season, and spring is not a typical choice for sesamum in rainfed systems.