Effect of row space and irrigation on seed composition of Turkish sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The effect of row space (RS) and irrigation (IR) on total protein, total oil, and fatty acid composition of Harran-grown sesame seed was studied. Total oil content of sesame varied from 46.4 to 51.5%. The oil and protein contents were significantly different among treatments (P < 0.01) in 1998 and 1999. IR affected oil content significantly (P < 0.01) in both years, and RS had no significant effect. The protein content was significantly influenced by RS and IR at P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively. RS 70 cm had the highest protein content followed by RS 60, 50, and 40 cm, respectively. IR every 24th day resulted in the highest level of protein, followed by 18th-, 12th-, and 6th-day irrigation, respectively. Correlation coefficients between protein and oil content were -0.34 in 1998 and -0.59 in 1999. RS (P < 0.05) and IR (P < 0.01) influenced oleic and linoleic acid contents significantly. Interactions of RS and IR were also found to be significant (P < 0.05) over the oleic and linoleic acid levels.