Foliar application of boron positively affects the growth, yield, and oil content of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of boron (B) to obtain the highest growth, yield, and oil content of black sesame. A field experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with five treatments and five replications. Treatments included foliar application of B at five rates: control, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L−1 at 25 and 35 days after sowing. Results showed that spraying B on leaves increased sesame growth in terms of plant height, number of leaves, and chlorophyll content. Moreover, spraying B increased yield components including the number of pods; the highest pods per plant was 46.2 in the B application treatment with 150 mg L−1 compared to the control with 27.2 pods per plant. The grain yield of the B spray treatment produced 1.10–1.32 t ha−1, with the highest yield at the dose of 150 mg L−1 and the lowest yield at no B spray treatment. Spraying B on leaves at optimal concentration also increased the oil content in seeds up to 5.3% compared to the control treatment. The findings of the study suggest that foliar B application with 150 mg L−1 increases the growth, fruit set, seed yield, and oil content in sesame.