4. AGRO-CLIMATIC INFORMATION OF CENTRE : 

5.  INFRASTRUCTURE : 

6.  MANDATE :

* Collection, evaluation and maintenance of germplasm of different oilseed crops viz; Sesame, Soybean and Arboreum Cotton        
* Development of varieties of above crops with high yield potential, better seed quality and tolerance to different biotic and abiotic stress.        
* Development of location specific production technology        
* Dissemination of technology to the farmers        
* Monitoring of diseases & pests of oilseed crops in the state        
* Seed production programme of varieties of oilseed crops recommended for different production systems in the state

7.  THRUST AREAS :

      1. Yield enhancement and stability in oilseeds production through versatile varieties/hybrids of different maturity groups for different growing conditions         
      2. Quality enhancement through correcting anti-nutritional factors and improvement of physical and nutritional quality in oilseed crops        
      3. Development of input responsive varieties of oilseed crops in general and sesame in particular        
      4. Development of eco-friendly production technology for sustaining oilseed production 

8. SCHEMES OPERATING : 

9.  RESEARCH ACTIVITIES :

a)  Crop Improvement :       
     i. Enrichment of germplasm that includes collection, evaluation and maintenance as well as its utilization in breeding programmes.       
    ii. Generation of breeding materials for developing high yielding better quality genotypes resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.       
    iii. Testing of newly developed genotypes under state as well as AICRP trials.        
   iv. Seed multiplication of released varieties on large scale to cater to the need of farmers and various seed producing agencies.       
    v. Dissemination of the newly developed technology on the farmer’s field through demonstrations.       
b)  Resource Management  :       
     i. Minimization of risk factors of mono cropping under erratic and irregular rainfall during Kharif season by developing suitable inter-cropping systems       
    ii. Generation of efficient nutrient management technology for enhancing productivity and quality of minor oilseed crops under inter-cropping system.       
   iii. Establishment of integrated nutrient management system for low cost cultivation.        
c)  Crop Protection :       
     i. Integrated pest management in sesame, soybean and deshi cotton.       
     ii. Biological and chemical control measures of diseases in sesame, soybean and deshi cotton.        
    iii. Survey and surveillance of pests and diseases of various oilseed crops.

 10. Research Achievements/ Recommendations :

(A) Varieties released :

(B) Resource management :

SESAME

1. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame are advised to apply 50 kg N/ha in three split (1/2 at basal, ¼ at 30 DAS and ¼ at 45 DAS). Nitrogen dose can be raised to 75 kg/ha if protective irrigation is available. (1998)
2. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame are advised to apply 5 tone FYM or 1 tone Castor cake/ha with 50 per cent recommended fertilizer (25-12.5-00 NPK kg/ha) along with seed treatment of Azospirillum and P Solubilizing bacteria (125 g/kg seed). (1998)
3. Farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame (G.Til-2) and applying 50:25:00 NPK kg/ha are advised to use 25 kg N/ha through FYM + PSB (2 kg/ha) + 12.5 kg P₂O₅/ha as basal and 25 kg N through urea as top dressing. (2002)
4. Farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame are advised to apply 15 kg sulphur/ha through gypsum (100 kg/ha)/single super phosphate besides the recommended dose of fertilizer (50-25-00 NPK kg/ha). (2002)
5. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame (G.Til-2) are advised to keep 60 cm distance between the row and 15 cm within the row. (2003)
6. Farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone are advised to Intercrop sesame (G.Til-2) with cotton (G. Cot-Hy-8) in 3:1 ratio or sesame with groundnut (GG-5) or sesame with green gram (K-851) in 3:3 ratio.(2003)
7. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone are advised to intercrop the sesame (G.Til-2) with Cotton (G.Cot. Hy-8) in 3:1 or 2:1 or 1:1 row ratio and sesame with castor (GCH-6) in 3:1 row ratio. (2004)
8. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing sesame and groundnut in Kharif are advised to inter crop groundnut (G.G.20) with sesame (G.Til-2) in 3:1, 2:1 or 1:2 row ratio. (2004)
9. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame are advised to adopt two hand weeding at 15 and 30 days after sowing . Under scarcity of labours pre emergence application of alachlor (1.5 kg/ha) or post emergence application of quizalofop ethyl (0.05 kg/ha at 15 DAS) + one interculturing at 30 days after sowing is recommended. (2005)
10. Farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing Sesame based intercropping system are advised to fertilize Sesame + Hy. cotton (3:1) with 100 per cent RDF of main and intercrop on area basis. (2005)
11. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame in Kharif are advised to irrigate sesame crop at flowering stage during dry spell. (2005)
12. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing kharif sesame and groundnut are advised to open the furrow after each three rows for sesame. The ridges and furrow method should be followed for groundnut crop at 20-30 days after sowing. (2005)
13. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing groundnut in kharif are advised to prepare the field by adopting deep ploughing every third year besides tractor harrowing every year. (2005)
14. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing sesame are advised to adopt seed soaking technique (8 hours soaking of seed in water (1:1) and drying in shade for 12   hours) before sowing followed by one hand weeding at 15 DAS and mulching with dust (soil mulch)  for getting higher seed yield and net return. (2008)
15. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro climatic zone are advised to  apply 25 kg N + 25 kg P₂O₅/ha as basal and 25 kg N/ha as top dressing or FYM  10 t/ha + Azotobacter and  PSB  each @ 5 kg/ha in soil for  Kharif  sesame variety G.Til-10. (2008)
16. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro climatic zone growing sesame are advised to apply 2.5 tonnes FYM /ha with ZnSO₄ @ 20 kg/ha and FeSO₄ 25 kg/ha to sesame, besides the recommended dose of (50-25-00 NPK kg/ha) fertilizer. (2008)
17. The Farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing kharif sesame in the Fe and Zn deficient soils are advised to apply, mixture grade multi-micronutrients at 20 kg/ha for soil application consisting of Fe-2.0%, Mn-0.5 %, Zn-5.0%, Cu- 0.2% and B-0.5% (equivalent to Government notified general grade–V) in addition to common fertilizer dose of 50 kg N + 25 kg P₂O₅ /ha. (2008)
18. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing sesame (G.Til-3) in Kharif are advised to apply RDF (50-25, NP kg /ha) as 25 kg N + 25 kg P₂O₅ /ha as    basal and 25 kg N/ha as top dressing. (2009)
19. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing sesame (G.Til-2) during Kharif are advised to apply 1.0 tone castor cake/ha or 7.5 t FYM/ha + 750 kg castor cake/ha. (2009)
20. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesame (G.Til-2) in summer are advised to apply 25 kg N + 25 kg P₂O₅ per hectare as basal and 25 kg N/ha as top dressing at 30 DAS. (2009)
21. The farmers of North Saurashtra agro climatic zone growing sesame (G.Til-3) in kharif are advised to apply 40 kg K2O /ha in soil in addition to the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer, (50-25 NP kg/ha) for getting higher yield and net return.(2011)
22. The farmers of North Saurashtra agro climatic zone growing sesame (G.Til-2) in kharif are advised to apply recommended dose of fertilizer (50-25-00 NPK kg/ha) with two foliar application of urea @ 2% at flowering and capsules formation stages for getting higher yield and net return.  (2011)
23. The farmers of North Saurashtra agro climatic zone are advised to grow kharif sesame var.G.Til-10 and adopt paired row sowing at 30:60 cm for getting higher yield and net return. (2011)
24. The farmers of North Saurashtra agro climatic zone-VI growing sesame in summer season are advised to sow the crop in third week of February at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm to get higher yield and net return. (2013)
25. The farmers of North Saurashtra agro climatic zone growing sesame with intercropping system in Kharif are advised to sow pigeon pea var. G. Tuar-101 as an intercrop with sesame var. G.Til-3 in the row ratio of 2:1 with 60 cm distance between two rows to get higher yield and monetary return. (2016)
26. In North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone, sesame varieties/genotypes differing in maturity and plant type gave higher seed yield with different spacing in Kharif season as below.

• Variety with profuse branches and late maturity (G.Til 10) at 45 cm x 10 cm or 60 cm x 10 cm spacing.
• Variety with few branches and mid late (G.Til 3 and GJT 5) as well as late maturity (AT 308) at 45 cm x 10 cm or 30 cm x 10 cm spacing.
• Variety with few branches and early maturity (AT 375 and AT 377) at 30 cm x 10 cm spacing.
• Uniculm variety with late maturity (AT 363 and AT 374) at 30 cm x 10 cm spacing. (2018-19)

27. The farmers of South Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone of Gujarat state interested to grow summer sesame in organic condition are recommended to grow sesame variety G. Til 4 or GJT 5 or G. Til 6 for achieving higher seed yield. (2020-21)
28. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing summer sesame are recommended to prefer sesame varieties differing in maturity and plant type for higher seed yield and net return with different plant spacing as shown below.

• Variety with profuse branches and late maturity (G.Til 10) at 30 cm x 10 cm spacing.
• Variety with few branches and mid late (G.Til 3 and GJT 5) as well as late maturity (AT 308) at 15 cm x 10 cm or 30 cm x 10 cm spacing (2021-22)

29. In North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone, sesame genotypes with few branches and early maturity (AT 375 and AT 377) as well as uniculm variety with late maturity (AT 363 and AT 374) gave higher seed yield and net return at 15 cm x 10 cm spacing. (2021-22)
30. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing sesame during Kharif season under rainfed condition are recommended to sow sesame by broad bed and furrow system (40 cm width and 15 cm depth of furrow and 140 cm bed between two furrows) and apply wheat straw mulch 5t/ha on broad bed at 15 days after sowing for getting higher seed yield and net return. (2021-22)
31. In North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone, effective weed management along with higher seed yield and net realization in rainfed sesame can be obtained by application of pendimethalin 0.50 kg/ha as pre-emergence fb quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha at 20 DAS. (2021-22)
32. The farmers of Saurashtra region growing sesame during summer season are recommended to grow sesame variety GJT 5 and apply total 12 irrigations scheduled as: first irrigation immediately after sowing, second irrigation at 21 days after sowing and remaining irrigation at 5 to 6 days interval during March-April and 4 to 5 days interval during May (1.0 IW:CPE) to obtain higher seed yield and net return. (2022-23)
33. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing sesame during summer season are recommended to apply 40 kg K₂O and 20 kg sulphur per hectare as a basal dose with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (50 : 25 N, P₂O₅ kg/ha) fertilizers for getting higher seed yield and net return. (2023-24)
34. The scientific community is informed that under Saurashtra region of Gujarat sesame varieties/germplasm lines G.Til 4, G. Til 10, AT 375, GJT 5, AT 371, AT 314, G.Til 3 and AT 377 gave high seed yield in Kharif season under organic condition. (2024-25)

SUN FLOWER

1. Intercropping of Sunflower with spreading Groundnut (1:1) found more profitable over sole crop of spreading Groundnut.
2. The farmers of North and South Saurashtra region interested to grow Sunflower are advised to sow hybrid MSFH-17 at the on-set of monsoon for getting maximum yield of Sunflower under rain fed condition.
3. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone are advised to grow Sunflower (Gujarat Sunflower-1) by fertilizing the crop with 90 kg N/ha and 30kg P₂0₅/ha. The 45 kg N/ha and 30kg P₂0₅/ha should be applied as a basal dose and the remaining 45 kg N/ha should be applied days after sowing. (2009).
4. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone are recommended to grow sunflower variety G. Suf.-1 during kharif season and apply 40 kg S/ha through gypsum (266 kg/ha) in soil in addition to the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (90-30-00 NPK kg/ha). (2009)

SOYBEAN

1. The farmers of AES-IX of North Saurashtra are advised to fertilize their soybean crop with 30 : 30, N and P₂0₅ kg/ha,  respectively.

(C)   Plant protection

1. Yield losses in sesame (G.Til-2) due to pest complex i.e. leaf webber (Antigastra catalaunalis), gallfly (Asphondylia sesame), mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) and leaf eating beetles (Pucneforus impressusa) was 38.70 percent. (2006)
2. Sesame genotypes/varieties G.Til-10 and NG-2-177 were tolerant to leaf webber/capsule borer (Antigastra catalaunalis). Entries G.Til-10, NG-2-177, AT-103 and AT-93 were tolerant to gall fly (Asphondylia sesame). Entry AT-93 was tolerant to mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus). (2006)
3. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone are advised to apply three sprays of Endosulphan 0.07% (20 ml/10 lit. ) at vegetative, flowering and capsule stage of sesame crop for effective control of sesame leaf webber in kharif season (2010).
4. For effective and economical bio-pesticides based management of leaf webber/capsule borer in Kharif sesame, three sprays of Beuveria bassiana 5 g/l or neem seed kernel extract 5 % (500 g/10 l water) at 15 days interval starting from the pest infestation are recommended for farmers of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone (2011).
5. Farmers of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone growing sesame in Kharif season are advised to apply three sprays of Propiconazole 5 EC 0.0025% (10 ml/10 liter) or Hexaconazole 5 EC 0.005% (10 ml/10 liter) or Carbendazim 12 % W.P + Mancozab 63% W.P. 0.15% at 12 days interval starting from 40 days after sowing for effective and economical management of leaf/stem/capsule spots in sesame crop (2011).
6. Two sprays of lamda cyhalothrin 5 EC 0.005% (10 ml/10 lit. water) or emamectin benzoate 5 SG 0.0035% (7g/10 lit. water) (1st spray at ETL of 0.25 larva/plant and 2nd spray at 15 days after 1st spray) found effective and economic for management of leaf weber of sesame in kharif in North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone.
                Two sprays of dicofol 18.5 EC 0.037% (20 ml/ 10 lit. water), 1st spray at appearance of mite and 2nd spray at 15 days after 1st spray found effective and economical. Residues of above pesticides in sesame seed were not detected at 30 days after 2nd spray. (2016)

7. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing sesame are advised to treat seed with Trichoderma harzianum 1 % WP 5g/kg seed or Pseudomonas fluorescens 1% WP 5g/kg seed along with soil application of Trichoderma harzianum 1 % WP 2.5 kg/ha with 300 kg FYM or castor cake at the time of sowing were found effective and economical for management of soil born diseases (Macrophomina stem rot and Phytopthora blight) of sesame. (2016)
8. Farmers of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone growing sesame in Kharif are advised to take black gram as an intercrop (2 line sesame + 1 line black gram) at the spacing of 60 x 10 cm to reduce pest infestation, increase predator activity and to get higher net realization (2017).
9. Sesame genotype AT 382 and variety G.Til 10 found resistant to mite pest whereas G.Til 10 also found resistant to powdery mildew and phytophthora diseases. These cultures can be utilized as multiple resistant source for further breeding programme. (2018-19)

 (D)   Post Harvest Technology

1. Sesame producers and processers are recommended to adopt the process technology developed by Junagadh Agricultural University to prepare sani. The Sani should be prepared from black raw sesame, added with 60% jaggery as well as 10 % shredded cashew nut and almond (1:1). Sani prepared through this method and packed in PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) container remains safe up to 25 days of storage. This method can prepare the good quality sani with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1.51. (2019-20)
2. The sesame producers and processers are recommended to use a low cost sesame dehuller developed by Junagadh Agricultural University for dehulling of sesame seed. The sesame seeds are required to be soaked in water for 120 min. and then dehulling to be carried out for 6 min in developed machine at 150 rpm dehulling speed for getting maximum efficiency (79.29 %). The estimated sesame dehulling benefit cost ratio by this machine is 1.95. (2020-21)
3. The extrudate manufacturing units and farmers are recommended to adopt the process technology developed by Junagadh Agricultural University for making corn based protein enrich extrudates products using defatted sesame flour. The extrudates should be produce by taking a proportion of defatted sesame flour and corn flour as 23:77 to increase the protein content of extrudates by using twin screw extruder machine. The suggested optimum condition to prepare extrudates using defatted sesame flour is feed moisture content : 15.60% (wb), die head temperature : 130°C, feed temperature : 60°C, barrel temperature : 100°C and screw speed : 250 rpm. The developed method givegood quality extrudates with 19.21 % high protein content. (2022-23)
4. Farmers and Manufacturers of sesame spread are recommended to adopt the process technology developed by Junagadh Agricultural University for the production of good quality sesame spread. The recommended procedure involves roasting of dehulled sesame seeds at 147°C for 27.30 minutes in a hot air oven. Subsequently, the cool roasted dehulled sesame seeds are blended and grinded with jaggery (9.50%), hydrogenated vegetable oil (6.20%), guar gum powder (1.3%) and salt (1.0%). Following this process protocol leads to sesame spread with optimal quality attributes. (2023-24)
5. Farmers and manufacturers of sesame spread are recommended by Junagadh Agricultural University to store sesame spread in PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) containers under refrigerated conditions (8°C) to ensure its safety up to three months. This storage protocol maintains superior biochemical, rheological and sensory quality along with oxidative and microbial stability of the sesame spread throughout the three month storage period. (2023-24)
6. The sesame processing industries and entrepreneurs are recommended to adopt the dehulling process developed by Junagadh Agricultural University to dehull the sesame variety G.Til 3. This process suggested to soak the sesame seed in 50°C hot water for 74 minutes and 30 seconds followed by dehulling for 7 minutes using indigenous sesame dehuller developed by Junagadh Agricultural University to improve the dehulling efficiency of sesame seed. This dehulling process protocol achieved a dehulling efficiency of 83.92%, a hullability of 70.11%, a yield loss of 1.61%, an embryo recovery of 83.97%, and an extraction rate of 91.06%. (2024-25)
7. The scientific community is informed to adopt the Peleg model (Mt = Mo ± (t /[K1+K2t]) for effectively described the hydration behaviour of sesame seed varieties at soaking temperatures of 35, 45, and 55 °C. The hydration temperature showed a significant impact on the hydration kinetics of sesame seeds. Sesame seeds exhibited a higher absorption rate at the initial soaking stage, followed by a slower, steady absorption phase. The Peleg capacity constants, K1 and K2, decreased with increasing hydration temperature, indicating enhanced water absorption rates and capacities with an increase in the temperature. The activation energy (Ea), were determined as 38.74, 33.37, 30.68, 37.85, and 33.23 kJ/mol, for G.Til 3, G.Til 4, GJT 5, G.Til 6 and TKG 22 sesame varieties respectively. The similar entropy data and negative enthalpy values for all sesame varieties indicate the hydration process is exothermic and energetically favourable for diffusion. (2024-25)
8. The sesame processing industries and entrepreneurs are recommended to adopt thedehulling process developed by Junagadh Agricultural University for sesame variety GT-4. The sesame seeds are required to be soaked in 51°C hot water for 73.00 min. and thendehulling has to be carried out for 6.20 minute in sesame dehuller for getting maximumefficiency. This developed dehulling process protocol gave 83.00 % higher dehullingefficiency, 70.37% hullability, 9.09 % yield loss, 82.87 %, embryo recovery and 89.74 %extraction rate with reduced hydration time (73.00 min.). (2024-25)
9. The sesame processing industries and entrepreneurs are recommended to adopt the dehulling process developed by Junagadh Agricultural University for sesame variety GJT 5). The sesame seeds are required to be soaked in 53°C hot water for 71.50 min. and then dehulling has to be carried out for 6.5 min in sesame dehuller for getting maximum efficiency. This developed dehulling process protocol gave 84.04 % higher dehulling efficiency, 69.13 % hullability, 1.94 % yield loss, 84.07 %, embryo recovery and 89.74 % extraction rate with reduced hydration time (71.50 min.). (2025-26)
10. The scientific community engaged in the development and optimization of post-harvest handling, processing, and storage equipment for sesame seeds should consider the moisture-dependent engineering properties of the sesame varieties namely GT-3, GT-4, GJT-5, GT-6 and TKG-22 within the moisture range of 4.26 to 50.21% (w.b.). The the results of sesame varieties disclosed that moisture did significant effect on all evaluated parameters, except elongation ratio and aspect ratio of all the varieties evaluated. Almost dimensional parameters displayed rising tendency except aspect ratio with moisture rise for all the sesame varieties. In addition to that, moisture did positive effect on the, thousand seeds weight, compressibility index, hausner ratio, angle of repose, coefficient of friction, terminal velocity, Reynolds number irrespective of seed varieties. However, true density, bulk density, tapped densities, drag coefficient, hardness presented contrary trend. Maximum friction coefficient was noted on GI sheet followed by plywood and glass. The converse association among hardness and moisture level was perceived. Hence, knowledge of engineering properties as moisture function can be play important role for better understanding the dehulling characteristics of sesame cultivars. (2025-26)

11.TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES :

• Organizing farmer's day/Agril. Fair at the station every two-year.
• Participating in the "Krushi Mela", farmer's days and Agril. Exhibition organized by University and other agencies.
• Educating govt. officials in pre-seasonal training, diagnostic team visit and other training programmes.
• Conducting demonstration plot and organizing field days on farmers field.
• Educating students during Kendra Nivas and to farmers during visit of this station.
• Awareness through TV and Radio talk, literature, press note, personnel/spot field diagnosis and letter etc.

12.VARIETIES REGISTERED IN PPVFRA : 

13. Patent  :

A. Patent Granted

14. PUBLICATIONS: (LAST FIVE YEARS) : 

15. AWARD/ MEDAL RECEIVED : 

16. DETAILS OF CONTACT PERSON :