Post on 14-Jan-2016
A Few Other Oilseed Crops
OilseedFlax
Camelina
Spring and winter types, small plantLimited contracting in Ft.
Stockton/Pecos areaBiodiesel plant in Gaines Co. asking
questions about growingStatewide testing of initial fall
2007/early spring seedings in 2008 did not do well
Lesquerella
Industrial crop, the oil of which can substitute for some castor applications
Most likely fall seeded, adapted to arid environment
Efforts to contract, produce, process have not gotten off the ground
Some test plantings near Plainview, but most in Pecos area
Sesame in the Texas Plains
Calvin Trostle & James GricharTexas AgriLife Extension & ResearchLubbock & BeevilleCT (806) 746-6101, JG (361) 293-6326ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu &
jgrichar@ag.tamu.edu
Historical
SESACO--Texas processor based in Paris, TX, research program based at San Antonio & Uvalde
Current 25,000-40,000 A production primarily is scattered, but about half or more in Concho River Valley on toward San Antonio area
Sesame Contracts
For 2009, $30/cwt ($32/cwt in 2008)Several premiums available--and
achievable--for good qualityDiscounts occasionally if quality
targets not met
Sesame, the Plant
Physiological maturity, 100-110 days after planting, dries down in 140-150 days to harvest; increased heat units accelerate maturity
Drought tolerant, heat tolerant, may respond less to rain & irrigation compared to other crops High Plains test show that with an extra 6” or
rain, yields didn’t change a great deal (increase ~20%)
Sesame in General
Not for your weedy ground--two labeled herbicides
Shatter-resistant varieties developed by Sesaco for combine harvest
Very drought tolerant and insect resistant
Non-Shattering
High/Rolling Plains
Planted mostly in mid-May to July 1, often after failed cotton
Minimal input cropAll kinds of planting conditions for
stubble, seeding equipment“The hardest thing about growing
sesame is getting it planted right.”
Recent Plains Production
2001-2007 Crosby Co.--1100 lbs./A with 3 gpm; 800
lbs./A with 1.8 gpm Parmer Co.--yields low, hit with cool
nights in 40s F near September 20 Dawson Co.—yields in range of 400-600
lbs./A on dryland Terry Co.--ongoing organic sesame
production
Seeding
Plains Production Tips
Plowing too deep dries out the field and can result in mediocre stands
Need firm seed bed for this small seedSlow growth in first 6 weeks or so, grass
problems treated with Select MaxThin fields often look like candidates for
plowing, but stands when left in place especially if uniform, often surprise
Seeding
Plains Production Concerns
Sesame at any time is susceptible to glyphosate drift, also Ignite, etc.
Any combine works wellPickup reels often used, but bat reels
might be better All-crop headers can work, too
Plains Production 2009
Sesaco interest is in full-season crop Seeking full yield potential with longer season
Rotation benefits, no cotton root rot effects, no hog damage; deer pass through?
Input costs will remain minimal compared to other crops
Sesame is not for your weedy ground!
Sesame, the Plant
Broadleaf summer crop, self-defoliating at maturity
Can reach 6’ tall with some irrigationFlowers about 35-45 days—slow growing
and not competitive with weeds at this point—after planting
Flowering ceases about 75-85 days after planting
Average daily planting temperature, 70 F Warmer than just about any other crop
The Vulnerable Stage
Planting
Slow down!!! to achieve better stands, more uniform seed depth.
Seed is very small, has less push than cotton, hence problems with crust That is why seeding rates are higher than
is actually needed to grow the cropConsult Sesaco for variety
recommendations
Early planted sesame normally gives the best yields
If planting after wheat, watch out for wheat herbicide residual (Amber, Glean, Ally, Finesse, Assert)
For rotation, if cotton is not on the label for rotation in 9-12 months, then don’t try sesame
Seeding Rates
2.5 to 4.5 lbs./A, target 3 lbs./A Over 30 seeds per foot
Seeding rates will drop by 1/4 to 1/3 when drilling or planting into good soil conditions
Sesame adjusts to the population if initially too thin or too thick
Little difference in yield across 3-8 plants per foot
What Sesame Must Do
The plant stops floweringMature without capsule openingShed leavesDry down as quickly as possibleHold seed even in adverse weatherRelease seed in combine easily
Irrigation
Very drought tolerant Among most drought tolerant crops in
Texas High Plains (others would be hybrid pearl millet, guar, safflower)
Limited irrigation is good; 4-6 inches offers good return on WUE
Rule of thumb: uses 1/2 the water of cotton, 1/3 of sorghum
Because input costs can be quite minimal, net return is often favorable compared to other crops
Weeds (Grichar Thoughts)
See Sesaco guide, p. 8 on rotation/residual, p. 13 on potential options now & future
Roundup RT3 applied as PPI, PRESelect Max for POST grass controlCaparol is a special problem for sesamePotential future herbicides
Dual Magnum (s-metolochlor) Direx (diuron) Lorox (linuron)
Funding provided by
This event also made possible, in part, by generous support from the City of Plainview Convention & Visitors Bureau.