Effect of Organic Mulching on Weed Suppression, Yield and Yield Components of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame is the second in oil crop produced in Ethiopia next to Niger seed and it is also second foreign currency generator in the country. Weeds are the most significant problem in sesame producing areas. This research was conducted with the aim of reducing weed infestation and boost yield. The experiment was conducted in 2016 cropping season at Humera Agricultural Research Center in RCBD design. Growth performance, yield and yield components of sesame and weed data were collected. Less abundant and dense Rahynochosia malacophylla weeds (33) and (132/m2) were recorded at Sudan grass, where the most abundant and dense Rahynochosia malacophylla weeds (60.5) and (242/m2) were recorded from no-mulch plot. The highest sesame yield (695 kg ha-1) was recorded from Sudan grass treatment, while the lowest yield (225 kg ha-1) was recorded from no mulch. Farmers need to apply grass mulch to suppress weed growth and boost sesame yield.