Phenology and Floral Visitors of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Flowers in Relation to Seed Yield in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Sesame is a high-value oilseed crop with growing export demand, and its productivity is partly dependent on insect-mediated pollination during the brief flowering window. North Central Nigeria, including Nasarawa State, is an important sesame production belt, yet the relationship between floral visitor diversity and crop yield has not been empirically studied in the region. This study investigates the phenology of sesame flowering, the diversity of insect floral visitors, and the relationship between pollinator visitation rates and seed yield in Nasarawa State. Flowering observations will be conducted at 20 farms in Lafia and Doma LGAs, with timed flower watches recording insect species, frequency, and visit duration at different times of day. Partially caged plot comparisons with open-access control plots will be used to estimate the yield contribution of insect pollination. Seed set percentages and thousand-seed weights will be measured at harvest. Visitor diversity will be compared using Shannon indices across farm types and seasons. The study addresses a practical gap in understanding sesame crop-pollinator interactions in Nigerian production zones. Findings will guide recommendations on pollinator habitat management for sesame farmers in Nasarawa State. Keywords: sesame pollinators, floral visitors, Sesamum indicum, seed yield, Nasarawa State