Abstract
A comprehensive knowledge on reproductive traits of a species is a prerequisite in utilizing the existing germplasm efficiently for crop improvement and to develop superior plants for grower acceptance and market profitability. Studies on floral biology and reproductive behaviour of the wild and cultivated species of Sesamum viz, S. radiatum and S. indicum from Kerala were carried out in the present investigation. Analysis of floral morphology revealed flowers were bisexual, zygomorphic and hypogynous with characteristic pink coloured flowers in S. radiatum and white in S. indicum. The study on phenoevents of the species showed earlier blooming and anther dehiscence in S. indicum compared to S. radiatum. Pollen fertility was found to be high in both species. Field observations on floral visitors showed that the flowers were regularly foraged by various insects such as ants, bees and beetles, of these the most frequent one was a species of Xylocopa. Hybridization studies revealed high percentage of crossability in the cross S. radiatum x S. indicum, while the reciprocal cross failed to set fruit, that may be due to the reproductive barriers existing between the species.
Highlights
The genus Sesamum belonging to the family Pedaliaceae comprised of 14 genera [21]
It was found that the peak flowering period of S. indicum was from June - October, whereas in S. radiatum it was from May - November
The data obtained in the present investigation from morphology and reproductive biology was used to discuss the interrelationship and reproductive success in wild and cultivated species of Sesamum
Summary
The genus Sesamum belonging to the family Pedaliaceae comprised of 14 genera [21]. The family is distinguished by annual or perennial herbs, rarely shrubs or small trees with mucilage glands. According to Kobayashi the genus Sesamum consist of 36 species, and is distributed in the tropical, southern Africa and in south and southeast Asia [15]. Its representation is confined to six species in Kerala, of these sesame (S. indicum) is the only cultivated species popularly known as Queen of oil seeds. It was the first crop processed for oil as well as one of the earliest condiments [7]. Sesame is very efficient in lowering cholesterol level and protect liver from oxidative damages [1]
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