1. A Few Other Oilseed Crops Oilseed Flax

3. Camelina zSpring and winter types, small plant zLimited contracting in Ft. Stockton/Pecos area zBiodiesel plant in Gaines Co. asking questions about growing zStatewide testing of initial fall 2007/early spring seedings in 2008 did not do well

4. Lesquerella zIndustrial crop, the oil of which can substitute for some castor applications zMost likely fall seeded, adapted to arid environment zEfforts to contract, produce, process have not gotten off the ground zSome test plantings near Plainview, but most in Pecos area

5. Sesame in the Texas Plains Calvin Trostle & James Grichar Texas AgriLife Extension & Research Lubbock & Beeville CT (806) 746-6101, JG (361) 293-6326 ctrostle@ag.tamu.eductrostle@ag.tamu.edu & jgrichar@ag.tamu.edu

6. Historical zSESACO--Texas processor based in Paris, TX, research program based at San Antonio & Uvalde zCurrent 25,000-40,000 A production primarily is scattered, but about half or more in Concho River Valley on toward San Antonio area

7. Sesame Contracts zFor 2009, $30/cwt ($32/cwt in 2008) zSeveral premiums available--and achievable--for good quality zDiscounts occasionally if quality targets not met

8. Sesame, the Plant zPhysiological maturity, 100-110 days after planting, dries down in 140-150 days to harvest; increased heat units accelerate maturity zDrought tolerant, heat tolerant, may respond less to rain & irrigation compared to other crops yHigh Plains test show that with an extra 6” or rain, yields didn’t change a great deal (increase ~20%)

9. Sesame in General zNot for your weedy ground--two labeled herbicides zShatter-resistant varieties developed by Sesaco for combine harvest zVery drought tolerant and insect resistant

10. Non-Shattering

12. High/Rolling Plains zPlanted mostly in mid-May to July 1, often after failed cotton zMinimal input crop zAll kinds of planting conditions for stubble, seeding equipment z“The hardest thing about growing sesame is getting it planted right.”

13. Recent Plains Production z2001-2007 yCrosby Co.--1100 lbs./A with 3 gpm; 800 lbs./A with 1.8 gpm yParmer Co.--yields low, hit with cool nights in 40s F near September 20 yDawson Co.—yields in range of 400-600 lbs./A on dryland yTerry Co.--ongoing organic sesame production

14. Seeding

15. Plains Production Tips zPlowing too deep dries out the field and can result in mediocre stands zNeed firm seed bed for this small seed zSlow growth in first 6 weeks or so, grass problems treated with Select Max zThin fields often look like candidates for plowing, but stands when left in place especially if uniform, often surprise

16. Seeding

17. Plains Production Concerns zSesame at any time is susceptible to glyphosate drift, also Ignite, etc. zAny combine works well zPickup reels often used, but bat reels might be better yAll-crop headers can work, too

19. Plains Production 2009 zSesaco interest is in full-season crop ySeeking full yield potential with longer season zRotation benefits, no cotton root rot effects, no hog damage; deer pass through? zInput costs will remain minimal compared to other crops zSesame is not for your weedy ground!

20. Sesame, the Plant zBroadleaf summer crop, self-defoliating at maturity zCan reach 6’ tall with some irrigation zFlowers about 35-45 days—slow growing and not competitive with weeds at this point—after planting zFlowering ceases about 75-85 days after planting zAverage daily planting temperature, 70 F yWarmer than just about any other crop

21. The Vulnerable Stage

22. Planting zSlow down!!! to achieve better stands, more uniform seed depth. zSeed is very small, has less push than cotton, hence problems with crust yThat is why seeding rates are higher than is actually needed to grow the crop zConsult Sesaco for variety recommendations

23. zEarly planted sesame normally gives the best yields zIf planting after wheat, watch out for wheat herbicide residual (Amber, Glean, Ally, Finesse, Assert) zFor rotation, if cotton is not on the label for rotation in 9-12 months, then don’t try sesame

24. Seeding Rates z2.5 to 4.5 lbs./A, target 3 lbs./A yOver 30 seeds per foot zSeeding rates will drop by 1/4 to 1/3 when drilling or planting into good soil conditions zSesame adjusts to the population if initially too thin or too thick zLittle difference in yield across 3-8 plants per foot

25. What Sesame Must Do zThe plant stops flowering zMature without capsule opening zShed leaves zDry down as quickly as possible zHold seed even in adverse weather zRelease seed in combine easily

26. Irrigation zVery drought tolerant yAmong most drought tolerant crops in Texas High Plains (others would be hybrid pearl millet, guar, safflower) zLimited irrigation is good; 4-6 inches offers good return on WUE

27. zRule of thumb: uses 1/2 the water of cotton, 1/3 of sorghum zBecause input costs can be quite minimal, net return is often favorable compared to other crops

28. Weeds (Grichar Thoughts) zSee Sesaco guide, p. 8 on rotation/residual, p. 13 on potential options now & future zRoundup RT3 applied as PPI, PRE zSelect Max for POST grass control zCaparol is a special problem for sesame zPotential future herbicides yDual Magnum (s-metolochlor) yDirex (diuron) yLorox (linuron)

29. Funding provided by zThis event also made possible, in part, by generous support from the City of Plainview Convention & Visitors Bureau.