Seed quality of sesame (Sesamum indicum) as influenced by boron nutrition

A study was conducted on the influence of variable boron on biomass, economic yield and its concentration in leaves and seeds. 'T 4' sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) was grown in refined sand at variable boron supply ranging from 0.0033 to 3.3 mg/litre. Lowest (< 0.33) and highest (> 0.33 mg/litre) levels of boron decreased the biomass, yield and oil content of sesame seeds. The visible symptoms of deficiency appeared up to 0.165 mg B/litre and that of toxicity at 3.3 mg B/litre. At 0.0033 mg B/litre no pods and seeds could be produced. Both deficiency (< 0.33 mg/litre) and excess (> 3.3 mg/litre) of boron deteriorated the quality of sesame seeds by lowering the protein and starch contents and increasing the accumulation of carbohydrates and phenols. The values of deficiency, threshold of deficiency and threshold of toxicity in leaves were 15.5, 27.0 and 74.0 mu g/g dry-matter respectively.