Sesame Genotypes Research Articles

Influence of Different Seed Colour Varieties of Sesame on the Biology of Rice Moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the bionomics of Corcyra cephalonica on different coloured sesame genotypes viz., Swetha (white), GT-10 (black), and YLM-17 (brown). According to the results, the duration of egg, larvae, pupae and adult were observed to be significantly longest (6.40, 31.16,14.87 and 10.70 days, respectively) in black seeded genotype GT-10. Whereas, it was shortest (3.64, 24.12, 7.80 and 7.26 days, respectively) in white seeded genotype Swetha. All tested sesame genotypes showed significant impact on the head capsule width, body length and width of different larval instars. Based on biological and morphometric parameters, black seeded genotype (GT-10) was less suitable for the Corcyra cephalonica development, while, white seeded genotype (Swetha) was most suitable.

Callus induction studies in various explants in different genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The goal of this study was to develop a suitable protocol for callus induction in sesame, Sesamum indicumwhich can be further used for regeneration studies. The experiments were carried out using three explants viz.,cotyledonary leaf, hypocotyls and primary leaf at different hormonal combinations and concentrations to studycallus induction. There was significant difference in the response of explants to different hormone treatmentsalthough there is no genotypic difference with regard to explants. Results showed that callus induction wassignificantly influenced by explants type. Hypocotyls responded well for callus induction in most of the genotypes.The callus induction frequency was significantly reduced (36.5%) when 0.2 mg BA was used along with 0.2 mg/lNAA. Replacing this hormonal combination with 2.0mg/l BA and 0.2 mg/l NAA greatly improved the callusinduction frequency (51.4%).

Phenotypic characterization of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) revealed promising genotypes for moisture stress conditions

Abstract Soil moisture deficit is the major constraint for sesame crop production during its main rainfed and summer cultivation seasons. In summer cultivation, the crop frequently gets exposed to soil moisture deficit at various crop growth stages. Therefore, it is essential to identify the traits along with promising genotypes adapted to soil moisture deficit. A set of 35 sesame genotypes with checks was used to quantify the variation in morpho-physiological, yield, and quality traits under irrigated (WW) and deficit soil moisture stress (WS) conditions in the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of high variability among the genotypes for various measured traits. The mean performance indicated that WS negatively affects the growth, development, yield and quality traits. Moreover, the correlation, path analysis and D2 analysis studies suggested that the traits, viz. leaf area (LA), total dry matter (TDM), canopy temperature (CT), number of branches per plant (NBP) and number of seeds per capsule (NSC) were significantly associated with seed yield under both the conditions. Quality traits like palmitic acid and oleic acid correlated positively with seed yield, particularly under WS. Furthermore, the genotypes with lower canopy temperatures were found to be better seed yielders under WS. In addition, mean performance and cluster analysis suggested that the genotypes: IC- 205776, JSCDT-112, JCSDT-26, IC-205610, and IC-204300, secured higher seed yield along with superior agronomical traits and net photosynthetic rate. These selected genotypes were most promising and could be used in future sesame crop improvement programmes.

Deciphering the Genetic Variability for Seed Yield Components in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The present study conducted an analysis of genetic variability for components traits of seed yield in 20 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes at the Research Farm of S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. The experiment followed a randomized block design with three replications during kharif, 2018. The main objective of this study was to assess the genetic variability among the genotypes. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant genotypic variation for all traits, indicating their potential for breeding programs. In the present study, RT - 384, RMT - 447 and RMT - 486 were identified as high yielding genotypes with per plant seed yield of 6.75, 6.7 and 6.01 g, respectively. Among the traits studied, plant height exhibited the highest variability with range of 83.13 to 108.40 cm, while test weight had the least variability having range of 3.00 - 3.51 g. Furthermore, phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the traits, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on them. Among them, seed yield per plant had maximum value of GCV and PCV with magnitude of 20.32 and 24.07%, respectively; while, days to maturity had minimum value of GCV and PCV i.e., 2.07 and 3.15%, respectively. Notably, traits such as capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant exhibited high heritability with magnitude of 85.96%, 64.18%, 63.68%, and 71.33%, respectively. Additionally, these traits displayed substantial genetic gains, with magnitudes of 33.46%, 21.29%, 26.19%, and 35.35%, respectively. This makes them promising for selection and eventually; these traits can be efficiently explored in different breeding programs for genetic improvement of sesame.

Screening of Sesame Genotypes against Powdery Mildew and Macrophomina phaseolina Stem/Root Rot Diseases

An investigation was carried out with fifty sesame genotypes to identify source of resistance to powdery mildew and macrophomina stem/root rot diseases during late kharif 2022 at RARS, Jagtial under protected conditions. Among the genotypes screened, four genotypes JCS 4047, JCS 4026, JCS 3880 and GT 10 were found resistant to powdery mildew. The powdery mildew PDI was ranged from 25.1%-73.3%. Based on the PDI score, fifty genotypes were classified into Resistant (4), moderately resistant (27) and Susceptible (19) categories. From fifty genotypes, JCS 4047 showed highly resistant reaction and EC 182833 showed highly susceptible reaction to powdery mildew. The macrophomina stem/root rot incidence was ranged from 65%-100%. FFAT 04 shown the lowest root rot incidence (65%) among fifty genotypes screened. None of the genotypes found to be immune. Identified resistant genotypes can be utilized as parents in breeding programme for development of resistant varieties.

Morphological Characterization of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes with DUS Descriptors

The current study's objective is to characterize eight sesame genotypes (Sesamum indicum L.) using the DUS descriptors. At Adhiparasakthi Agri College, Research Farm, Kalavai, the experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications in April 2023. Sesame varieties were assessed for 13 morphological features using DUS descriptors. Most of the analyzed traits showed a significant amount of variation. These differences in physical traits were useful for identifying particular sesame genotypes. The aforementioned study highlighted the distinctive qualities of sesame varieties and demonstrated that morphological variances exist in these genotypes due to variations in genetic makeup, suggesting that breeders may make greater use of these variations in the selection process based on their particular breeding programme. This is highly useful study for varietal identification and conservation.

Rhizosphere bacterial community composition was significantly affected by continuous cropping but not by sesame genotype

Imbalanced soil bacterial community is thought to be a crucial factor for continuous cropping obstacle. Through analyzing bacterial community by Illumina MiSeq technology, this study bacterial community diversity and richness, like Sobs, Ace and PD decreased with duration of continuous cropping (CC). Alpha diversity and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed that soil bacterial diversity and community structure were significantly affected by CC but not by genotype. With increasing years of CC, rhizosphere bacterial community changed gradually, rather than skipping or irregular change. Almost all significantly changed genera under CC belong to Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Firmicutes, which indicated the vital roles of these five phyla in CC. With extension of CC, the abundance of Variibacter, Candidatus_Solibacter decreased, while Sinomonas and Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia increased in the genus level. Additionally, the transport and metabolism of amino acid and carbohydrate were increased or maintained under CC, but vesicular transport and cell motility reduced. These data provided novel insights into the changes of bacterial community under short duration of CC, and will contribute to understanding of continuous cropping.

Identification of resistant source for leaf webber/capsule borer, Antigastracatalaunalis Duponchel (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sesame

The incidence ofthe leaf webber/capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) is common during vegetative, flowering and pod formation stages of sesame during two seasons. The sesame genotypes (n=60) were screened for A. catalaunalis during two season 1 and 2. In season 1, four genotypes, SES-K-20-2010, SES-K-20-3002, SES-K-20-1062 and SES-K-20-2022 were found free from A. catalaunalis incidence. The sesame genotypes (n=60) graded for A. catalaunalis as highly resistant (15 genotypes), resistant (12 genotypes), moderately resistant (15 genotypes), susceptible (6 genotypes) and highly susceptible (12 genotypes) based on incidence. In season 2, none of genotype was found free from A. catalaunalis incidence. The sesame genotypes (n=60) graded for A. catalaunalis as highly resistant (1 genotype), resistant (17 genotypes), moderately resistant (28 genotypes), susceptible (13 genotypes) and highly susceptible (1 genotype) based on incidence. To summarize, 16 genotypes were highly resistant to A. catalaunalis and the resistant genotypes can be used as donor in future breeding programmes.

Genetic analysis and diversity studies in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Genetic variability, path coefficient and diversitywere studied using 56 genotypes ofsesame [Sesamum indicum (L.)] in RBD with three replications at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur during kharif 2019. Themean squares for all the characters were significant indicating the presence of wide genetic variability. The high magnitudes of PCV and GCV for seed yield and moderate values for primary branches/plant depicted the presenceof high amount of variation. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for seed yield suggesting that it could be improved through direct selection due to predominant additive variation. High heritability with moderate genetic advance as 5% of mean were observed for plant height and 1000 seed weight indicating the influence of non-additive gene action in the expression ofthese traits. Correlation coefficient analysis showed that seed yield had significant positive association with number of capsules/plant followed by 1000 seed weight and oil content at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of capsules/plant possess the highest positive direct effect (0.473) followed by 1000 seed weight (0.432) and plant height (0.313) on seed yield, whichsuggested that during selection more emphasis should be given to these characters to develop a desirable plant type. In the diversity study, the maximum intra-cluster distance was estimated in cluster-VIII (11.77) followed by cluster-VI (10.74), cluster-I (8.94), cluster-II (8.76), cluster-III (7.11) and cluster-IV (5.12) indicating wide genetic variability within the genotypes of these six clusters. The maximum inter-cluster distance was estimated between cluster-III and VIII (69.10) followed by cluster-III and IV (62.33) and cluster-III and VI (62.24), suggesting wide diversity between genotypes of these clusters.

Screening and growth assessment of indigenous and exotic sesame genotypes under osmotic stress

Drought stress decrease plant growth especially during germination and seedling stages in dry areas. The plants of Sesame are moderately tolerant to drought although it is sensitive at germination and seedling stages. About 102 different sesame genotypes were acquired from the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute Faisalabad Pakistan and Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (USDA) Griffin Georgia United States. Including two local varieties as check screened against drought tolerant were conducted in central lab of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan during July 2019 by using 3 levels of osmotic potential (0, -0.18, and -0.36Mpa) created through Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 8000) following the complete randomized design and data were collected on growth and early seedling indices of sesame. The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software on the basis of drought tolerance index (DTI) and Membership Function Value (MFV). Results showed significant decline by increasing osmotic potential regarding studied traits. Ten (10) drought tolerant sesame genotypes namely PI – 153509PI – 154304 PI – 158053 PI – 158059 PI – 175907 PI – 158902 PI – 164142 PI – 164317 PI – 164763 PI – 180340 were selected which exhibited the DTI value (0.451 - 0.525) with the mean MFV value ranged from (0.856 - 0.913) and 5 genotypes had DTI value ranging from (0.075 - 0.150). The genotypes with average DTI ≥ 0.525 were considered as highly drought tolerant genotypes. Contrary, the genotypes with an average DTI ≤ 0.225 were considered drought sensitive and 20 genotypes were highly drought sensitive (HDS) with mean MFV value ranged from 0.103 - 0.196. Genotypes with drought tolerance characteristics can be used for future breeding programs to develop drought tolerant varieties for increasing growth and yield of sesame in drought prone areas.

Genetic variability in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) for yield and yield related traits

Availability of genetic variability among a certain crop population and knowledge of the genetic parameters of yield and yield-related traits are the key preconditions to enhance seed yield. Therefore, sixty-four sesame genotypes consisting of fifty-nine accessions and five varieties were assessed in order to evaluate sesame genotypes for yield and yield-related traits and estimate the genetic parameters. An 8 x 8 simple lattice design was used to evaluate the experimental materials. Data were collected for the twenty traits. Analysis of variance revealed that sesame genotypes were significantly different (P<0.05) except for internode length and seed shattering-related traits. ASARC-ACC-SG-013 was the highest-yielding accession, while accession GK-012 (2) gave the highest oil content (60.09%), and the mean thousands seeds weight ranged from 2.00 g to 2.75 g, indicating the existence of elite sesame genotypes that can be considered to maximize yield, seed size, and oil content. The number of primary branches plant-1, the number of capsules on the main stem plant-1, and total capsules plant-1 all showed high coefficients of variation, demonstrating that the genotypes under study had sufficient variability for these traits. High heritability and genetic advance were obtained for traits such as plant height to the first branch (60.70%; 21.90%), capsule length (81.10%; 24.00%), primary branches plant-1 (63.10%; 36.30%), number of capsules on the main stem plant-1 (74.40%; 45.80%), and total capsules plant-1 (64.90%; 51.40%). Thus, the finding suggests a trustworthy estimate of the genetic advancement that may be anticipated through phenotypic selection for these traits.

Microsatellite marker assisted molecular and morpho-physiological genetic diversity assessment in 38 genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Identification of genetic diversity and their relationships among breeding materials is crucial in crop improvement strategies. In this study, 38 sesame genotypes were characterized for their genetic diversity. The results revealed significant variations among various traits such as plant height, maturity, capsule plant-1 and seeds capsule-1. The number of capsule plant-1 showed significant positive correlation with seeds capsule-1. The highest heritability was found for the numbers of capsules plant-1 (98.67%). The 38 genotypes were separated into six distinct clusters. Comparison within the populations of the cluster IV and those of cluster VI had the highest capsules plant-1, seeds capsule-1 with enormous genetic diversity. For molecular characterization, 7 microsatellite markers and 5 SSR primers with polymorphism were finally chosen for genetic diversity analysis. Altogether, 19 alleles were identified among the 38 genotypes, and the average number of alleles per locus was 3.80. The lowest and the highest numbers of alleles were 3 and 5, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.3201 to 0.5934 and SI-ssr30 showed to be highest at 0.5934. The UPGMA based clustering depicted a significant variation at molecular level among the sesame genotypes, having a coefficient of similarity between 0.29 and 1.00. The present study confirmed that extensive genetic diversity existed among the sesame genotypes and valuable agronomic traits may result in the development of high yielding genotypes.

Source and sink traits and their relationship under deficit soil moisture stress conditions in an indeterminate crop: sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

ABSTRACT Sesame is an indeterminate oilseed crop where yield is determined by source and its capacity for synthesis and mobilization of photosynthates. Knowledge of the existing relation between source and sink and its validation under deficit soil moisture conditions is limited in sesame. Therefore, experiments were conducted using 25 sesame genotypes with differing plant architecture in terms of branching pattern (mono to multiple) and leaf area (minimum to maximum) under both irrigated (IR) and deficit soil moisture stress (DS) conditions for two consecutive years 2021 and 2022. The variations existing among the source and sink traits were measured, and the ANOVA of the measured traits revealed a significant differences among the genotypes for source traits, viz. leaf area, stem and leaf dry weight, net photosynthesis, total dry matter and their relationship with sink, i.e. seed yield under IR and DS conditions, and it was further confirmed using regression analysis. The results showed, certain source traits viz., stem dry weight and total dry matter at seed filling stage were positively associated with seed yield at both IR and DS conditions. Additionally, cluster analysis showed that the genotypes IC 54039-B-1 and SI 1802 had a proportional leaf area with good seed yield and displayed a better source and sink relationship, highlighting the fact that photosynthates were efficiently translocated to the sink. The genotypes IC 54039-B-1 and SI 1802 outperformed IR under DS with minimal yield differences and optimal leaf weight, total dry matter, and plant stem weight. These genotypes with better source and sink relationships can be used in sesame crop improvement programmes.

Genetic diversity analysis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

In the present investigation, 70 genotypes of sesame were characterized for 12 morphological and 14 quantitative characters and subjected to genetic divergence (UPGMA hierarchial clustering) analysis. It revealed that a considerable amount of genetic variability was exhibited for majority of the morphological traits except for locule number per capsule, capsule number per leaf axil and capsule shape. In divergence analysis for both morphological and quantitative characters, 70 genotypes were grouped into seven clusters at the genetic distance of 0.5 using Ward’s minimum variance method and Gower’s method of genetic distance. Selection of the genotypes present in different clusters having more genetic distance, preferably belonging to different geographical origin may result in more heterotic effects in the hybridization programme. Good recombinants can be obtained by mating between clusters I and VII for genotypes viz., GJT-5, RT-46 with TMV-3, VRI-3, Paiyur 1 as they have maximum genetic distance between them. Most of the characters recorded high mean values in cluster VII. Hence, for improvement of these traits, the genotypes present in cluster VII could be exploited as parents. Keywords: Sesame, Diversity, Cluster, UPGMA

Study of economically important traits to give an insight into the character association and their contribution in yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes

Sugar beet is a crop of huge national economic importance. The beetroot plant shows great sensitivity to the abiotic factors especially to fertility of the soil. The lack of nutrients in the soil where this plant is grown weakens its normal development and significantly reduces its yield. Therefore, the present research work was planned to assess the impact of planting schemes and mineral fertilizer norms on the quality production of sugar beet. Research works were carried out in 2021-2022 with Caucasian variety of sugar beet on irrigated gray-brown soils. The field experiments were laid out under different plnating schemes and fertilizer application rates. In case of 50x20 cm planting scheme without fertilizer (control); dry matter 21.4%, sugar 15.6%, protein 5.38%, fat 0.61%, cellulose 5.69%, ash 4, 46% and nitrate nitrogen 147.5 mg/kg in wet mass, respectively were recorded in background (P120K90) variant; 15.9%; 5.85%; 0.65%; 5.77%; 4.53% and 163.8 mg/kg.The quality indicators of sugar beet, as well as root and fruit crops, increased significantly compared to the control and background (P120K90) variants in the increased rates of nitrogen fertilizer along with the background. The highest quality indicators were observed in the background+N90 variant, respectively 24.9%; 17.9%; 6.21%; 0.76%; 6.05%; 4.71% and 183.0 mg/kg. In the 50x20 cm planting scheme, which has more food space, the quality indicators were higher in each of the studied options than in the 50x10 cm and 50x15 cm planting schemes, depending on the mineral fertilizer norms. 0.8-3.5% dry matter, 0.3-2.3% sugar, 0.47-0.83% protein, 0.04-0.15% fat, cellulose 0.08-0.36%, ash by 0.07-0.25% and nitrate nitrogen increased by 16.3-45.7 mg/kg in wet weight. The amount of nitrates in the root fruits of sugar beet was much less than the permissible limit (250 mg/kg in wet weight). It is concluded that the highest indicators were obtained in the background+N90 and 50x20 cm planting scheme.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes, Using Agro Morphological and Molecular Markers (RAPD)

The purpose of this study was to look at the genetic variation in seventeen genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) from different agro-climatic regions of Sudan, using both agro-morphological traits and RAPD markers. From July 13 to November 2013, the field experiment was conducted on the experimental farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Shambat. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed in this investigation. The seventeen sesame genotypes had their nine growths and yield parameters assessed, the number of branches, the height of the first capsules, the number of capsules per plant, and the weight of 1000 seeds all showed a highly significant difference. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p≥0.05). The plant's height and days to 50% flowering were counted. The number of capsules per plant and seed weight showed the largest genotypic and phenotypic variance. The heritability value was greater when 1000 seeds were used. On the other hand, plant height had the lowest rating. The Highland genotype had the maximum yield (0.2506 ton/ha). Seed yield (ton/ha) was found to be highly associated with seed output per plant, capsule number per plant, and stem diameter. However, there was a non-significant, inverse relationship between height to first capsule and days to flowering. Molecular DNA marker (RAPD) analysis revealed that three RAPD primers chosen for molecular analysis had 170 bands, 130 of which were polymorphic (76.47%). The results based on high genetic variation for agro-morphological traits and polymorphism at DNA level indicating that, the techniques was efficient in determining diversity among sesame genotypes and this information will be useful for collection, conversation and breeding program in the future.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) for Yield and its Components

A field experiment was conducted to assess the diversity among sesame genotypes for yield and yield component traits during late kharif, 2017 (August-November) at Seed Research and Technology Centre, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. Genetic diversity among the genotypes were estimated based on the data recorded for eight yield and yield attributing characters in 51 genotypes using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics. The percent contribution of characters towards divergence showed that the character days to 50% flowering contributed maximum followed by seed yield plant-1, capsule length and number of seeds capsule-1. Selection of parents based on these traits would be useful to achieve a wide range of genetic variability in crop improvement programmes. The 51 genotypes were grouped into ten clusters and out of them, cluster I was the largest comprising of eighteen genotypes followed by cluster III with fifteen genotypes, cluster IV with seven genotypes, cluster II with five genotypes. The clusters viz., V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X represented by single genotype indicating high degree of diversity among the genotypes. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IX and cluster X (219.39) followed by cluster VII and cluster VIII (190.41). Among the ten clusters, the cluster X had highest mean value for capsule length, number of capsules plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1 and seed yield plant-1. The genotypes from these divergent clusters with favourable mean values for different traits could be used as parents in hybridization programme to get superior transgressive segregants.

Shattering and yield expression of sesame (Sesamum indicum L) genotypes influenced by paclobutrazol concentration under rainfed conditions of Pothwar

Seed shattering is a critical challenge that significantly reduces sesame production by 50%. These shattering losses can be reduced by selecting shattering resistant genotypes or by incorporating modern agronomic management such as paclobutrazol, which can boost productivity and prevent seed shattering in sesame. Two-years of field trials were conducted to examine the effect of sesame genotypes, environment, and paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentrations. Twelve sesame genotypes were used in a four-way factorial RCBD with three replications and five PBZ concentrations (T0 = Control; T1 = 150; T2 = 300; T3 = 450; and T4 = 600 mg L− 1) under rainfed conditions of Pothwar. The findings revealed significant variations in the major effects of all examined variables (genotypes, locations, years, and PBZ levels). Sesame genotypes PI-154304 and PI-175907 had the highest plant height, number of capsule plant− 1, seed capsule− 1, 1000 seed weight, biological yield, and seed yield, while also having the lowest seed losses and shattering percentage. Regarding environments, NARC-Islamabad generated the highest plant height, number of capsule plant− 1, shattering percentage, and biological yield; however, the URF-Koont produced the highest seed yield with the lowest shattering percentage. Additionally, plant height, capsules plant− 1, and biological yield were higher in 2021, while seed capsule− 1, 1000 seed weight, seed losses, shattering percentage, and seed yield were higher in 2020. PBZ concentration affected all measured parameters; plant height and number of seed capsule− 1 decreased with increasing PBZ concentrations. 450 mg L− 1 PBZ concentration generated the highest biomass, number of capsules plant− 1, and seed yield. At the same time, PBZ concentration 600 mg L− 1 generated the smallest plant, the lowest seed capsules− 1, the greatest thousand seed weight, and the lowest shattering percentage. The study concluded that paclobutrazol could dramatically reduce shattering percentage and shattering losses while increasing economic returns through better productivity. Based on the findings, the genotypes PI-154304 and PI-175907 with paclobutrazol level 450 mgL− 1 may be suggested for cultivation in Pothwar farming community under rainfed conditions, as they showed promising shattering resistance as well as enhanced growth and yield.

Variability Study in Ethiopian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes at Western Oromia

The study was conducted to evaluate genetic variability and trait association of yield and yield related traits in 5x5 simple lattice design during 2019 main cropping season. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P<0.01) among the genotypes for all quantitative traits except days to maturity and biomass yield per hectare. Days to flowering, plant height and capsule length showed low Phenotypic and Genotypic Coefficient of Variations and genetic advance percent mean. Branches per plant showed medium Phenotypic and Genotypic Coefficient of Variations, heritability and genetic advance percent mean. Capsule per plant, seed yield per plant and seed yield per hectare showed moderate Phenotypic and Genotypic Coefficient of Variations and high heritability with genetic advance percent mean. Biomass yield per plant and harvest index showed high Phenotypic and Genotypic Coefficient of Variations, heritability and genetic advance percent mean. Both phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficient analyses showed positive and significant association of seed yield with seed yield per plant and harvest index. Generally, this study painted the presence of significant genetic variation among tested sesame genotypes and the possibility to get genetic progresses in the succeeding breeding generations.

Variability of Sesamum indicum L. germoplasm after reaction to suboptimal temperature and its agronomic value

The paper presents data on the influence of the minimum temperature (15 °C) on the genotypes of sesame, 40 in number, from the gene bank of the Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, by modeling artificial environmental stress under laboratory conditions. Cluster analysis (k – means) of a set of cultivars and lines of sesame highlighted a cluster of 23 genotypes with higher germination indices, length of root and stem. Among these, the genotypes L1, Iubileinâi, Cubanet 55 and Delco recorded the highest values according to the number of capsules per plant (45.5-53.9) and productivity per plant (7.4-8.3 g) in combination with indications of important agronomic characters and resistance to low temperatures obtained in the experiences of field.