Eighteen sesame varieties were tested in the field for their responses to major insect pests with or without insecticide application. Insect pest density was higher in the unsprayed plots than the sprayed plots, except Myzus persicae whose density was significantly higher in the sprayed plots. Lower insect density was recorded on Yobe-Chambamba, while higher pest density was recorded on Domu, in late season. Yobe-Chambamba and Eva were not attacked by M. persicae. Leaf and capsule damage were significantly lower (2 % each) on Yobe-Chambamba.Amongthe varieties,Yobe-Chambambacarried the least pest population intensity, while highest pest density was recorded on Domu, NCRIBEN-01M, Yobe-gadaka, 530-6-1, Cross-95, E-8, PB-Til, Ciano-16 and Cameroun white. Lambda-cyhalothrin application significantly reduced pest density in the early season but not capsule damage or any of the plant characteristics measured. The use of lambda-cyhalothrin may not be necessary for the control of insect pests on sesame in the experimental area.