Sesame is a relatively new grain crop being grown in Florida. Although this crop provides many system benefits as a rotation partner, weed control is an important consideration. Currently, there are few herbicides registered for use in sesame (Table 1). Therefore, choosing a field with a history of low weed pressure will be helpful. Additionally, the use of stale seedbed techniques should be considered. A stale seedbed means that the soil is prepared a few weeks or months ahead of planting, then the weeds that germinate are controlled—with tillage or, preferably, with herbicides—multiple times prior to planting. This strategy will help to deplete the seedbank in the upper few inches of soil and result in emergence of fewer weeds during the cropping season.

Rotational Considerations

Sesame is highly susceptible to herbicides used in soybean, peanut, and cotton—such as Pursuit (imazethapyr), Cadre (imazapic), and Envoke (trifloxysulfuron). Sesame should not be planted in fields treated with these herbicides within the past 26 months. Rotational intervals vary depending on herbicide, soil type, and rate. Check rotational intervals specified in the label before planting. Field bioassays are highly recommended before you consider planting sesame in fields treated with the aforementioned herbicides.