Sesame Pests and Diseases: Wilt, Root Rot and Webworm

Sesame's worst enemy is wet soil: waterlogging triggers root rots and wilts. The main pest is the sesame webworm, which webs leaves and bores into capsules.

Diseases

• Fusarium wilt: yellowing and wilting from the bottom.
• Charcoal rot: grey-black stems in hot, dry conditions.
• Phyllody: flowers turn into leafy structures; spread by leafhoppers.
• Leaf spots and damping off in cool, wet weather.

Pests

• Sesame webworm: webbed shoots and damaged capsules.
• Aphids and whiteflies.

Prevention

Plant in well-drained soil, rotate with cereals, avoid overwatering and use clean seed.

More Sesame Guides

• How to Grow Sesame: The Complete Guide
• When to harvest sesame
• Sesame yield
• When to plant sesame

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my sesame wilting?

Usually wet soil and root rot, or Fusarium wilt.

Does sesame need much water?

No; it is drought tolerant once established.