Performance and genetic diversity of some sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) accessions based on morpho-agronomic traits and seed proximate composition in Kwara State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates eleven sesame accessions in Nigeria for performance and genetic diversity using morpho-agronomic traits, chlorophyll contents and nutrient composition in a complete randomized experimental design with five replicates. The results showed ‘Igboho Black’, ‘02M’ and ‘Kenan 4’ had the best growth attributes. Although ‘NGB0090’ and ‘Exsudan’ matured early, ‘E8’, ‘Bogoro Local’ and ‘Kenan 4’ had the best yield attributes. Seeds produced were predominantly milky-white, an accession had black seeds, while three produced white seeds. Plant height positively correlated with number of leaves and leaf area as well as peduncle length. Days to 50 % flowering positively correlates with days to maturity. So also the number of capsule per plant, capsule dimension and seeds per capsule. The moisture content in seeds of the accessions was < 3.5 %, ash (4.5-5.9 %), crude protein (5.3-7.4 %), fat and oil (53.6-60.5 %), and carbohydrate < 30 %. Out of the eight components that accounted for the observed variations, the PC-1 and PC-2 contributed 65.42 %. The dendrogram revealed that ‘NGB00960’ and ‘NGB00963’ which had ‘’Kenan 4’ as a distant member are the closest relatives, while ‘NGB00390’ and ‘01M’ are the most diverse. The study concludes that the accessions are genetically and phenotypically varied and the existing diversity can be harnessed for selecting high yielding and adaptable variety for the development of improved cultivars.