Key Techniques for High-Yield Cultivation of Dense-Capsule Sesame

Dense-capsule sesame Yizhi No. 1 is one of the higher-yielding types of sesame today. It is drought-tolerant and lodging-resistant, with extremely dense capsules, 3 to 7 capsules per leaf, layer upon layer so thick that the stems are hidden from view. The seeds are pure white, with an oil content of over 55%. The growth period is 110 days for spring sowing and 85 to 90 days for summer sowing. It yields 100 kg to 150 kg of sesame per 667 sq m, and up to 220 kg per 667 sq m in high-yield fields.

1. Land preparation and fertilization: Before plowing, apply 1000 kg of farmyard manure, 40 kg of superphosphate, and 10 kg of potassium sulfate or potassium chloride per 667 sq m, and level the field surface finely.

2. Sowing techniques: (1) Sun the seeds before sowing to enhance seed vigor. (2) Treat seeds with 0.1% to 0.3% carbendazim for disinfection. (3) Do not sow too deep; sow at 3 cm. (4) Use 500 g of seed per 667 sq m, producing 120,000 to 160,000 seedlings.

3. Field management: (1) The first thinning should be done early; the second thinning at the 2 to 3 true-leaf stage; and final thinning at the 3 to 4 true-leaf stage. Keep 8000 plants per 667 sq m. (2) Cultivation, weeding and hilling: From emergence to early flowering, generally cultivate and weed 3 times. The first time, at the 1 true-leaf stage, but shallow cultivation is required; the second time, at the 2 to 3 true-leaf stage; the third time, at the 4 to 5 true-leaf stage. Stop cultivation after the sesame rows close. Hilling: Surface soil from between the beds can be hilled around the root zone, done in stages along with cultivation, to create ridges that prevent lodging and furrows that drain water and prevent waterlogging. (3) Foliar fertilization: From early flowering to full flowering, on sunny afternoons, spray 0.3% to 0.4% monopotassium phosphate on the leaves, spraying twice in a row with an interval of 3 to 5 days each time. (4) Management: ① At the early flowering stage, spray 15×10^(-6) concentration of Zengchanling (4-iodophenoxyacetic acid); at the flower bud stage, use 1 stick of Yemianbao or Penshibao per 667 sq m, add 50 kg to 70 kg of water, and spray on the leaves. ② At the 3 to 4 true-leaf stage and the early flowering stage, spray chlormequat or mepiquat chloride on the leaves once each, which can make the capsules dense and the yield high. (5) Remove the top 2 to 3 cm 15 to 20 days before harvest to increase yield.

4. Harvest: It gradually matures 15 days after the final flowering stage. Stems and leaves drop off, and the lower capsules begin to split open. When the top capsules are peeled open and the tips of the sesame seeds have a slight reddish color, it can be harvested. If harvested too early, the yield will be reduced; harvesting in stages can increase yield.

5. Pest and disease control: (1) Control of sesame stem spot blight: Soak seeds in 55°C warm water for 15 minutes, with a control effect of 90%; for chemical control, treat seeds with 0.1% to 0.3% carbendazim. (2) Control of sesame fusarium wilt: Treat seeds with carbendazim, or spray diseased plants with a 500-fold dilution of 40% carbendazim. (3) Control of cutworms and mole crickets: Mix 250 g of 90% trichlorfon with 50 kg of bait (attractant), add water, and broadcast it around the base of the plants in the evening.