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The present investigation was conducted during Kharif 2018 at Agricultural Research Station, Yellamanchili, Andhra Pradesh, India. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among 114 genotypes for all the characters studied showing the presence of genetic variability among the materials studied. The genetic variability studies revealed that the present material under investigation has potential variability and can be exploited for effective breeding programme. High heritability was recorded for all the parameters under study. The seed yield per plant showed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated the role of additive gene action.

Population dynamics of sucking pests of sesame viz. thrips, whitefly, leaf hoppers and aphids were studied. Correlation between the pest population and weather parameters was analyzed and regression equations were developed. Incidence of aphids, leaf hoppers and thrips on sesame crop during kharif season has started on 25 th SMW. Thrips (7.3/ plant) attained peak in the 30 st SMW, whereas, whitefly population reached peak during 27 th SMW with population of 1.7/ plant, whereas, leaf hopper (2.8/plant) and aphid population (12.1/plant) reached the peak in the 31 st SMW. Thrips population exhibited significant positive correlation with mean temperature (r=0.501) and non-significant negative correlation with mean relative humidity(r=-0.312) and rainfall (r=-0.498). Whitefly population showed non-significant positive correlation with mean atmosphere temperature(r = 0.285) and mean relative humidity(r = 0.028) and nonsignificant negative correlative with rainfall (r = -0.452). Leaf hopper exhibited significant positive correlation with mean temperature (r = 0.667) while, non-significant negative correlation with mean relative humidity(r = -0.325) and rainfall(r = -0.296). Aphid population showed significant positive correlation with mean atmosphere temperature(r = 0.667) and non-significant negative correlative with mean relative humidity(r = -0.236) and rainfall (r = -0.444). Incidence of thrips, whitefly, leaf hoppers and aphids on sesame crop during rabi-summer season has started on3 rd SMW. Thrips (3.22/plant), white flies (2.48/plant) leaf hoppers (10.1 /plant) and aphids (12.8/plant) reached the peak in the 10 th SMW. The correlation between weather parameters and sucking pest population followed the pattern similar to kharif season. Regression analysis data of revealed that the multiple non-linear regression equations are sufficient to predict the pest population with prevailing weather parameters.

The productivity of sesame is mainly dependant on proper agronomic management practices including nutrient management. In oilseeds, sulphur plays a prominent role in the synthesis of essential oils, chlorophyll formation and gives pungency in oil. It is also increasing drought and cold resistance of oilseed crops. Hence, field studies were conducted for two consecutive years to study the effect of various sources of sulphur (Gypsum and Sulphur Bentonite) and their different levels (15, 30 and 45 kg S ha-1) on growth, yield and economics of sesame. Studies revealed that, irrespective of sources of sulphur seed yield increased progressively with increase in sulphur dose from 15 to 45 kg ha-1 and the increase was significant at 45 kg ha-1 over 15 kg ha-1and control. Application of sulphur at 45 kg/ha through gypsum produced significantly higher plant height (97.1 cm), branches/plant (4.98), capsules/ plant (95.9) and seed yield (586.5 kg/ha) than at 15 kg S/ha through gypsum, Sulphur bentonite and recommended NPK and remaining at par with application of Sulphur at 30 kg/ha. Sulphur application at 45 and 30 kg ha-1 through gypsum recorded significantly higher net returns (Rs. 33365 and 31963 ha-1 respectively) and B: C ratio (2.47 and 2.38 respectively) than Sulphur Bentonite and recommended NPK during both the years.

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