Growing Sesame
There are three main reasons for growing sesame:
- as a double-crop opportunity immediately following a winter crop (e.g. wheat)
- to replace summer crops such as sorghum or corn to combat feather top Rhodes and/or other grass weeds
- as an opportunity crop shifting from a summer crop cycle to a winter crop cycle.
On this page you will find several resources about growing and marketing sesame including sesame varietal information, factsheets and brochures.
If you decide to engage an agronomist to assist with decision making we recommend you choose someone familiar with your local area who has completed the ASIDA agronomist accreditation training course.
Sesame Management Guide
These guides provide basic knowledge about sesame farming.
Current sesame research programs, CQU Sesame Central and Great Northern Spice Programs, are developing a range of locations specific agronomic recommendations for northern Australia.
- Growers’ guide prepared by QDAF
- Sesame Grower’s guide updates by CQUniversity
- Growers’ manual by Equinom Israel: Smarter Sesame
- Growers’ manual by Sesaco USA: Sesame Growers Guide
Sesame varietal information
Current sesame varieties are protected by Plant Breeders Rights and an End Point Royalty is collected. Certified seed is available for ASIDA members through AgriVentis Technologies Ltd..
- White sesame – Highway (Equinom variety)
- Black sesame – ES57B (Sesaco variety)
Crop protection products
Several insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, crop desiccants, stored grain insecticides and rodenticides are registered or under permit for use in sesame crops. Registrations for some products vary between Queensland and NSW. Always check the label before using. All registered and permitted products can be found using the APVMA - Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority database. Observe all withholding periods and record all product use on the Grower Commodity Declaration Form.