Exploring the effects of nitrogen and zinc treatments on some agronomic parameters and zinc biofortification in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

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Han Ş., Sönmez İ.

CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, vol.86, no.6, pp.908-917, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 86 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.4067/s0718-58392026000600908
  • Journal Name: CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Applied Science & Technology Source, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Latin America & Iberia Database (ProQuest), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Fuente Academica Plus, ABI/INFORM, CAB Abstracts, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.908-917
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Biofortification appears to be the most appropriate strategy for nutrient enrichment in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Agronomic techniques in sesame, an important source of oil, protein, and nutrients, can have a significant impact on healthy nutrition. The research was conducted in Manavgat-Antalya, Türkiye, in 2022 and 2023. The experiment was designed with three replicates according to a factorial experimental design, with four different N doses (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha¹; N0-N3, respectively) applied to the plots and four different Zn doses (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, and 0.45% zinc sulphate, ZnSO4·7H2O) applied to sesame plants. The results showed that N treatments had significant effects on number of capsules, seed yield, number of seeds per capsule, N and protein content in seeds, and oil content. The N3 application (90 kg N ha-¹) resulted in the highest seed yield (14.5 and 18.4 g plant-1, respectively), number of seeds per capsule (65.7 and 80.8 nr plant-1), and protein content (28.4% and 26.9%, respectively) in both years compared to the control group (N0). Zinc treatments resulted in an increase in Zn and oil content in seeds. The 0.45% ZnSO4 treatments resulted in the maximum Zn concentration in seeds in both years (77.4 and 76.8 mg kg-1, respectively). 0.15%-0.30% ZnSO4 treatment doses resulted in the maximum oil content. In the N×Zn interaction, the highest number of seed per capsule (86.2 nr plant-1) was obtained at the N1Zn1 treatment dose, while the highest oil content was obtained with N0Zn2 (59.4%) and N3Zn1 (59.2%). Considering their effects on capsules number, number of seeds per capsule, and seed oil content, it is also possible that the combined treatment of N and Zn significantly improves sesame quality. Foliar Zn treatment is effective in Zn accumulation in the seed and contributes to nutrient enrichment in sesame.