Effect of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Cover Crop Density on Seed Yield and Yield Components of Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) and Weed Control

In order to investigate the effect of Mung bean density on weed suppression and sesame yield, an experiment was conducted at Research Farm of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources as randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in 2015. The treatments consisted of three levels of Mung bean density (5, 10 and 15 plants.m-2) and two check treatments (no cover crop at weed free and weed infected at full season). The results of variance analysis indicated that treatments on Mung bean biomass, weed density and dry weight and all traits considered (except 1000 seed weight and harvest index) of sesame affected significantly. Mung bean biomass had a nonlinear increase with increasing density and the highest its biomass (648 g.m-2) was obtained at 15 plants.m-2. Means comparison showed that dry weight of total weeds at Mung bean densities of 5, 10 and 15 plants m-2 was reduced compared with weed-infected treat at no cover crop conditions by 84, 89 and 90%, respectively. Weed interference reduced 57% sesame seed yield at no cover crop conditions. Sesame seed yield increased by 56, 81 and 97% at densities of 5, 10 and 15 plants.m-2, compared with weed-infected treat at no cover crop conditions. The highest value of cover crop-weed index (3.54) was obtained at Mung bean density of 15 plants.m-2, which in terms of weed control efficiency, the control was sufficient. In achieving sustainable agriculture goals using Mung bean (as cover crop) in sesame, weeds can be managed and favorable yield has been achieved.