Sesame

6Pests & diseases

  • Shoot and capsule borer

    Threshold: 10 larvae per m² in the vegetative stage and 2 larvae per m² in the reproductive stage. Neem seed kernel extract 5% or neem oil 2% are listed as spray options.

    Pending expert review
    Source
    Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Pest management, p. 202
    Region
    Tamil Nadu
    Last updated
    2026-11-04

  • Root rot and phyllody

    Root rot: apply Pseudomonas fluorescens or Trichoderma asperellum at 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg of well-decomposed FYM or sand at 30 days after sowing. Phyllody (spread by a leafhopper): remove and destroy infected plants; neem seed kernel extract 5% or neem oil 2% against the vector, combined with intercropping sesame + red gram (6:1).

    Pending expert review
    Source
    Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Disease management (Root rot, phyllody), p. 203
    Region
    Tamil Nadu
    Last updated
    2026-11-04

  • Chemical pesticides: ask before you spray

    The source lists insecticides and fungicides for sesame pests, powdery mildew, leaf spots and root rot. Many are hazardous, and some may be restricted. Choose a product only with your local Agriculture Officer.

    Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.

    Pending expert review
    Source
    Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Pest & disease management, pp. 202–203
    Region
    Tamil Nadu
    Last updated
    2026-11-04