This study aimed to determine the optimal planting density for sesame cultivation in a double cropping system after harvesting onion and garlic in the Muan region. It compared the growth, yield, disease susceptibility, and labor hours for two varieties of sesame (Landrace and Geonbaek sesame) at different planting densities. Plant height in the Landrace sesame showed no significant variation with different planting densities, whereas Geonbaek sesame increased in height with higher planting densities. Both cultivars increased the number of viable branches at lower densities. The stem diameter was thicker in Landrace sesame with decreasing planting density, while in the Geonbaek sesame, there was no significant difference in stem diameter regardless of planting density. The number of capsules per plant for the Landrace sesame increased with decreasing density, whereas Geonbaek sesame showed no significant difference. Yield for both cultivars was higher at greater densities. However, the late direct sowing time and shorter cultivation period significantly reduced the yield of sesame cultivated in a double cropping system compared to that of sesame grown in a single cropping system, due to the late direct sowing time and shorter cultivation period. There was no significant difference in disease occurrence based on planting density. Furthermore, although labor hours did not vary with planting density when comparing the labor hours required for cultivating the Landrace sesame and Geonbaek sesame, the latter needed less labor time. This study reveals the optimum planting distance and density for sesame cultivation as a double cropping after harvesting onion and garlic, providing invaluable data for establishing sesame double cropping cultivation techniques.

• 고윤(국립목포대학교 일반대학원 원예학과) | Yoon Go (Department of Horticultural Science, Graduate School of Mokpo National University, Muan 58554, Korea)
• 장진오(국립목포대학교 일반대학원 생명자원개발이용학협동과정, 무안군농업기술센터 농촌지원과) | Jin Oo Jang (Graduate School of Mokpo National University, Interdisciplinary Program of Development and Utilization of Biological Resources, Muan 58554, Korea, Muan-gun Agriculture Technology Center, Muan 58521, Korea)
• 주세훈(국립목포대학교 일반대학원 생명자원개발이용학협동과정) | Se Hun Ju (Graduate School of Mokpo National University, Interdisciplinary Program of Development and Utilization of Biological Resources, Muan 58554, Korea)
• 김은지(국립목포대학교 일반대학원 생명자원개발이용학협동과정) | Eun Ji Kim (Graduate School of Mokpo National University, Interdisciplinary Program of Development and Utilization of Biological Resources, Muan 58554, Korea)
• 나해영(국립목포대학교 원예과학과) | Haeyoung Na (Department of Horticultural Science, Mokpo National University, Muan, 58554, Korea) Corresponding author