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

Sule Han1 and Ilker Sönmez1*
 
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.
Key words: Biofortification, mineral nutrition, nitrogen, oil content, sesame, zinc.
1Akdeniz University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 07059, Antalya, Türkiye.
*Corresponding author (ilkersonmez@akdeniz.edu.tr).
Received: 15 April 2026; Accepted: 17 July 2026, Available online: 7 September 2026.