Photoperiod Response of Different Varieties of Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L. Wild) Crop Grown in Sudan

Effect of the day length and genotypes on yield and yield component for two seasons (1986 and 1987) were studied in Shambat area under irrigation conditions. 18 genotypes (local and exotic) of sesame crop were planted in January, May and September sowing date. The results revealed that May sowing date was favoured for yield and yield component while January and September sowing date were caused reduction in yield. This reduction may be due to reducing in number of branches / plant, number of capsule / plant, number of seeds / capsule and consequently yield / plant. Highly significant differences were observed among genotyped in January, May and September sowing date in both seasons. The local genotypes had better performance in contrast to exotic genotypes. Finally, reduction in yield / plant was mainly due to reduction in number of branches / plant and number of capsule / plant.