Radiation absorption and use efficiency of sesame as affected by biofertilizers inoculation in a low input cropping system

A randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 growing seasons. Treatments were of three different types of biofertilizers plus control, including: (1) Nitroxin®, containing Azotobacter sp. & Azospirillum sp., (2) Biophosphor® (PSB), containing phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus sp. & Pseudomonas sp.), (3) Biosulfur® (SSB), containing sulfur-solubilizing bacteria (Thiobacillus ssp.) and (4) Control (no fertilizer). The results revealed biofertilizers inoculation shortened a period of 15 days to achieve maximum leaf area index resulting the maximum fraction of absorbed radiation and consequently maximum production of sesame dry matter at the sixtieth day after emergence. Radiation use efficiency (RUE) in SSB and Nitroxin® was higher comparing to control (1.31, 1.24 and 1.09, respectively) which resulted to the highest biological and seed yield. Seed oil and seed protein and harvest index also increased. In this research, the total mean sesame RUE was estimated 1.19 g MJ−1 (R2 = 0.95).

► We model radiation absorption and use by sesame which have been lost yet.
► We examine changes in inputs about sesame efficiency for producing dry matter.
► Increasing information will increase quality and quantity of sesame especially for low input systems.
► Increasing information will decrease production and eco-environmental costs.
► Confirming our results take more time and experiments.