Sesame Varieties Research Articles

Sesame Genomic Web Resource (SesameGWR): a well-annotated data resource for transcriptomic signatures of abiotic and biotic stress responses in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a globally cultivated oilseed crop renowned for its historical significance and widespread growth in tropical and subtropical regions. With notable nutritional and medicinal attributes, sesame has shown promising effects in combating malnutrition cancer, diabetes, and other diseases like cardiovascular problems. However, sesame production faces significant challenges from environmental threats such as charcoal rot, drought, salinity, and waterlogging stress, resulting in economic losses for farmers. The scarcity of information on stress-resistance genes and pathways exacerbates these challenges. Despite its immense importance, there is currently no platform available to provide comprehensive information on sesame, which significantly hinders the mining of various stress-associated genes and the molecular breeding of sesame. To address this gap, here a free, web-accessible, and user-friendly genomic web resource (SesameGWR, http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/sesameGWR/) has been developed This platform provides key insights into differentially expressed genes, transcription factors, miRNAs, and molecular markers like simple sequence repeats, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and insertions and deletions associated with both biotic and abiotic stresses.. The functional genomics information and annotations embedded in this web resource were predicted through RNA-seq data analysis. Considering the impact of climate change and the nutritional and medicinal importance of sesame, this study is of utmost importance in understanding stress responses. SesameGWR will serve as a valuable tool for developing climate-resilient sesame varieties, thereby enhancing the productivity of this ancient oilseed crop.

First Report of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease on Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. sesami in North Carolina.

In July 2022, dark brown to black, angular, water-soaked lesions were observed on sesame leaves (Sesamum indicum L.) in a research plot established to assess yield potential for eight varieties at the North Carolina (NC) Sandhills Research Station (Chavez 2023). Symptoms were indicative of a bacterial leaf spot (BLS). At early flowering stage, leaf spots were present on scattered plants; varieties ES108, SS3301, and ES201 exhibited up to 75% disease prevalence, with lower frequency in ES103, S39, S4302, S3251, and S3276. Symptomatic leaves from 3-4 plants were collected on four different dates from July through September. A section of symptomatic tissue was excised and macerated in sterile deionized water (SDW). A 10 µL aliquot was streaked onto SPA medium (15 g sucrose, 5.0 g proteose peptone, 0.50 g MgSO4 7H2O, 0.25 g K2HPO4, 15 g agar per liter of SDW) and incubated at 28ºC. After 72 h, numerous, smooth, white-cream colored, convex-shaped, colonies were individually isolated. Five randomly selected isolates from the different collection dates, designated as AHP108-AHP111 and AHP116, were genotyped. The 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoD, and gapA genes were sequenced (Heuer et al. 1997; Hwang et al. 2005) and deposited to NCBI (GenBank Accessions: P213467- PP213470; OQ628040-OQ628042; PP214983-PP214994; and PP255798). These five isolates shared 100% sequence identity for gyrB and rpoD. AHP108-AHP111 shared 100% sequence identity for 16S rRNA and gapA, with 99.7% and 90.8% identity, respectively, for AHP116. A phylogenetic tree was inferred from a maximum-likelihood analysis of concatenated gyrB, rpoD, and gapA sequences of the five isolates and the top 11 hts from a blastn search of the NCBI nucleotide database. Those hits included closely related sequences from Pseudomonas syringae pv. sesami type strains ICMP 763T and ICMP 7459T. Based on this phylogenetic analysis AHP108-AHP111 and AHP116 are P. syringae pv. sesami. Recent genomic analysis suggests this pathovar is part of P. amygdali (Gomila et al. 2017), but an official name change has not been proposed. Each of the five isolates were infiltrated into leaves of sesame varieties ES108, ES103, and S327, consistently resulting in similar symptoms. Thus, strain AHP116, as a representative, was used to fulfill Koch's postulates using five, 30-day-old potted sesame plants (var. S3301). Plants were spray-inoculated with a bacterial suspension of ~108 CFU/ml until runoff; plants were incubated in moist chambers 24 h pre and post inoculation at 28ºC with 80% relative humidity and a 12 h photoperiod. At 13 days post inoculation, symptoms resembling those on plants at the Sandhills Research Stations in 2022 were evident. Reisolated bacteria were confirmed to be AHP116 through 16S rRNA and gyrB amplification and sequencing. No symptoms were observed on the five water-inoculated plants. BLS of sesame has been reported in Asia and is thought to be seedborne (Firdous et al. 2009; Prathuangwong and Yowabutra 1997). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. syringae pv. sesami causing BLS on sesame in North Carolina. Sesame cultivation in the state increased from approximately 2,000 acres in 2022 to 13,000 acres in 2023 and there is interest in cultivating sesame as a rotational and alternative crop because it requires minimal input costs. Potential outbreaks of BLS in this warm, humid region could negatively affect sesame production, where little is known about the economic impact of the disease.

Rice-Based Cropping System Effect on Yield and Yield Attributes on Promising Released Sesame Varieties

A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural College farm, Bapatla district, Andhra Pradesh, during the period from March 2023 to June 2023 to assess the performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties under different fertilizer management practices in rice-based cropping system in Krishna Zone of AP. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with the factorial concept and three replications. The results showed that YLM 146 recorded significantly the highest seed yield (748 kg ha-1) at harvest. The yield attributing characters like the number of capsules plant-1 (67) and the number of seeds capsules-1 (45) were found significantly to be the highest in the variety YLM 146. Concerning different fertilizer management practices, 125% RDF + 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at the early budding and capsule formation stages recorded significantly higher seed yields (827 kg ha-1). Yield attributes like number of capsules plant-1 (96) and number of seeds capsules-1 (51) were significantly highest in 125% RDF + 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at the early budding and capsule formation stages. Overall, the results showed that sowing of YLM 146 variety with 125% RDF + 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at the early budding stage and early capsule formation stage seems to be appropriate for getting higher seed yield in Krishna Zone of Andhra Pradesh.

Transcriptome Analysis of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Reveals the LncRNA and mRNA Regulatory Network Responding to Low Nitrogen Stress.

Nitrogen is one of the important factors restricting the development of sesame planting and industry in China. Cultivating sesame varieties tolerant to low nitrogen is an effective way to solve the problem of crop nitrogen deficiency. To date, the mechanism of low nitrogen tolerance in sesame has not been elucidated at the transcriptional level. In this study, two sesame varieties Zhengzhi HL05 (ZZ, nitrogen efficient) and Burmese prolific (MD, nitrogen inefficient) in low nitrogen were used for RNA-sequencing. A total of 3964 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and 221 DELs (differentially expressed lncRNAs) were identified in two sesame varieties at 3d and 9d after low nitrogen stress. Among them, 1227 genes related to low nitrogen tolerance are mainly located in amino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism and secondary metabolism, and participate in the process of transporter activity and antioxidant activity. In addition, a total of 209 pairs of lncRNA-mRNA were detected, including 21 pairs of trans and 188 cis. WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) analysis divided the obtained genes into 29 modules; phenotypic association analysis identified three low-nitrogen response modules; through lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network, a number of hub genes and cis/trans-regulatory factors were identified in response to low-nitrogen stress including GS1-2 (glutamine synthetase 1-2), PAL (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), CHS (chalcone synthase, CHS), CAB21 (chlorophyll a-b binding protein 21) and transcription factors MYB54, MYB88 and NAC75 and so on. As a trans regulator, lncRNA MSTRG.13854.1 affects the expression of some genes related to low nitrogen response by regulating the expression of MYB54, thus responding to low nitrogen stress. Our research is the first to provide a more comprehensive understanding of DEGs involved in the low nitrogen stress of sesame at the transcriptome level. These results may reveal insights into the molecular mechanisms of low nitrogen tolerance in sesame and provide diverse genetic resources involved in low nitrogen tolerance research.

Yield Performance Study of Bina Developed Sesame Varieties under Agro-Ecological Conditions of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

An investigation was done during the Kharif-I (Summer) season 2022 at Sadar Upazilla of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh to explore the yield and factors affecting the yield of four sesame varieties developed by the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA). Three replications of a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) were used, where Binatil-1, Binatil-2, Binatil-3, and Binatil-4 were the varieties. The experiment's findings showed that Binatil-1 contained the tallest plant (107.00 cm), whereas Binatil-3 contained the shortest plant (79.55 cm). It was noted that Binatil-2 had the greatest number of plant-1 branches (4.95), whereas Binatil-1 had the least amount (2.14). Additionally, Binatil-3 displayed the highest number of plant-1 pods (95.65), whereas Binatil-1 provided the lowest amount (51.27). Binatil-1 had the largest pod (3.56 cm), whereas Binatil-4 had the smallest (2.57 cm). It was noted that Binatil-1 displayed the greatest count of seeds in pod-1 (78.15), while Binatil-4 displayed the least amount (61.12). The highest 1000 seed weight was obtained from Binatil-2 (3.15 g), whereas the lowest 1000 seed weight was recorded in Binatil-1 (2.95 g). The established genotype Binatil-2 had the maximum seed yield (1.42 t ha-1), whereas Binatil-1 had the least (1.27 t ha-1). Among the cultivars, Binatil-3 matured in the fewest days (87), whereas Binatil-2 required the most days (95). At Binatil-2, significant yield performance was found from the Kharif-I (summer) season experiment. A simple correlation was done where branches per plant per thousand seed weight had a significant positive correlation and pod breadth had a negative impact on seed yield for all genotypes. This experiment will be helpful for oil crop breeders and the farming community to choose promising sesame genotypes with high yield potential and future breeding stock. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(2): 125–132, 2023 (December)

EFFECT OF BIOSTIMULATOR NORMS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF “SADAF” VARIETY OF SESAME

In this article, various measures of biostimulants Tandem, Immunoactive biostimulants were applied to increase the biomass of Sadaf variety of sesame, and Fitovak biostimulant was studied as a standard for these biostimulants. Application of Tandem biostimulator 0,3 l/ha, Immunoactive 35 ml/ha and Fitovak (standard) 300 ml/ha has been proven to increase plant biomass. Immunoactive biostimulant has been found to have a positive effect on the growth and development of sesame.

Effect of planting geometry on the performance of sesame varieties

Effect of planting geometry on the performance of sesame varieties

Enhancing Sesame Yield in Arid Conditions through NPK Fertilizer Optimization

Sesame, an important oilseed crop and valuable source of protein, plays a central role in global agriculture. This study, conducted during the 2021-2022 Kharif season at Karor Adaptive Research Farm (ARF), Layyah, Pakistan, aimed to optimize the use of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertilizers to increase sesame yield under dry conditions. Our research aimed to determine the most effective application rates of NPK fertilizer (34:24:12) kg/acre for sesame variety TH-6 in the region, consistent with the objectives of maximizing sesame yield and biomass accumulation. The experimental design RCBD included multiple treatments, with meticulous attention to plot sizes, replicates, and robust data collection and analysis methods. These measures ensure the reliability of our results and their potential applicability to similar agroclimatic conditions. The use of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in ARF gave promising results. A maximum grain yield of 765.3 kg ha-1 was observed in 2021, exceeding the yield of 738.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. Similarly, the use of NPK (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in a farmer's field resulted in a maximum grain yield of 828.6 kg ha-1 in 2021, as opposed to 702.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. These results highlight the potential of NPK fertilizer application combined with optimal field practices to increase sesame yield and its components under the challenging agro-climatic conditions of Karor, Layyah. The discussion interprets the results and emphasizes the importance of NPK fertilizers for sesame cultivation. Although our primary focus is not on climate discussions, the consistent methodology in both years, from sowing to harvesting, revealed significant differences in yield and growth parameters, leading to climate change being considered as a potential contributing factor. This study shows that the application of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 can significantly increase sesame yield under adverse conditions.

СОРТОИЗУЧЕНИЕ ОБРАЗЦОВ КУНЖУТА В УСЛОВИЯХ АСТРАХАНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The research was carried out in 2020–2022 in the south of Chernoyarsk district of Astrakhan region in order to identify promising and adaptive sesame breeding material to the conditions of the region for its further involvement in the creation of new varieties of this crop. The work was carried out on an irrigated plot, the soil of the experimental plot in terms of granulometric composition was heavy loamy, the soil type was light chestnut. The meteorological conditions that developed during the study period were typical for the cultivation zone. The material for the study was 70 collection samples of sesame from All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources named after N.I.Vavilov (VIR). The Solnechny variety was chosen as the standard. During the work, the following samples were identified: K-188 (Turkey), K-1060 (India), K-239 (Greece), K-1506 (Venezuela), K-594 (Tajikistan). Their yield varied over the years as follows: in 2020 – 2.2…3.1 t/ha, while the value of this indicator for the standard was 1.7 t/ha; in 2021 – 1.3…2.5 t/ha and 2.7 t/ha; in 2022 – 1.3…2.8 t/ha and 2.4 t/ha, respectively. For these samples, environmental plasticity and stability were calculated according to Eberhart and Russell. The high-intensity group (bi>1, σ2d→0) includes samples K-239 (Greece, bi=2.05 and σ2d=0.08); K-1506 (Venezuela, bi=2.18 and σ2d=0.10); K-594 (Tajikistan, bi=1.91 and σ2d=0.09). The standard indicators of environmental adaptability were as follows: bi=-2.39 and σ2d=0.09. Considering that in addition to adaptability, the samples K-1506 (Venezuela) and K-594 (Tajikistan) had an average yield of 2.0 t/ha in the conditions of Astrakhan region for 2020-2022, and the sample K-188 (Turkey) for the study period exceeded the value of this indicator for the standard by an average of 0.53 t/ha, they can be recommended as a promising breeding material for creating sesame varieties.

Comparison of the chemical composition of non-shattering and shattering sesame varieties grown in the Huang-Huai region of China

The nutritional value and chemical composition of two non-shattering sesame varieties, NS610 and ND837, and two shattering varieties, LZ22 and ZZ37, all grown in the Huang-Huai region of China, were comprehensively analyzed and evaluated. Differences in fat, ash, energy and carbohydrate content were significant (p < 0.05) between non-shattering and shattering sesame varieties. Linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid, followed by oleic acid. No significant difference in fatty acid and amino acid composition between non-shattering and shattering varieties was found (p > 0.05). Large amounts of Ca, K, Zn, and Mg were detected in all sesame samples, and ND837 contained the highest levels of Ca, K, and Zn. Non-shattering varieties contained more tocopherols, lignans, and oxalic acid compared to shattering varieties. In conclusion, the non-shattering varieties, NS610 and ND837, were close to or higher in nutritional value and chemical composition than the shattering varieties. This is important because non-shattering varieties can be harvested efficiently and cost-effectively by machine while traditional, shattering varieties must be harvested manually.

Field Performance of Sesame Varieties under Rainfed Ecosystem in Southern Tamil Nadu, India

In Pudukottai district, sesame is cultivated in 3,000 ha and farmers are predominantly growing very old sesame variety TMV 3. This variety is more susceptible to pest and diseases which leads to increased cultivation cost towards plant protection measures as well as reduced yield and income. To overcome this problem, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pudukkottai conducted On Farm Testing (OFT) in sesame varieties for promoting the high yielding varieties. Fifteen farmers were selected in different locations of Thiruvarankulam block, Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu. Critical inputs of seeds of sesame varieties like TMV 7 and G.Til 10 were distributed to the farmers. The plant physiological and yield parametersviz., plant height (cm), No. of branches, No. of capsules/ branch, capsule length (cm), seeds per capsule, Yield (q/ha) and BC ratio were recorded. The results revealed that, Among the sesame varieties tested, TMV 7 was recorded the maximum plant height (125 cm), number of branches (6.6), number of capsules per plant (43.5), capsules length ( 3.3 cm), No of seeds per capsule ( 57) which resulting in the highest yield of 7.8 q/ha followed by sesame G.Til 10 which recorded more plant height (120 cm), number of branches (6.0), number of capsules per plant (38.2) capsules length ( 3.1 cm), No of seeds per capsule ( 51) and yield of 7.3 q/ha compared to farmers variety cultivating variety TMV 3 which registered the lowest plant physiological parameters and yield (6.4 q/ha). The maximum B:C ratio was recorded in sesame variety TMV 7 (3.12) followed by G.Til 10 ( 2.92) over the variety TMV 3 (2.84). From this trial, it was concluded that, farmers are satisfied with the sesame TMV 7 variety for cultivation due to its low pest and disease incidence, higher yield and BC ratio.

Participatory Evaluation of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties in the Gamo and Gofa Zones of Southern Region Parts of Ethiopia

Participatory Evaluation of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties in the Gamo and Gofa Zones of Southern Region Parts of Ethiopia

Insect species dynamics and associated losses in on-farm stored sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds in major sesame growing areas in Ethiopia

Insufficient storage practices and frequent infestations of insect pests pose significant obstacles to sesame production and storage, adversely affecting the quality and quantity of seeds. This forces farmers and traders to sell their crops at lower prices immediately after threshing to avoid market rejection caused by pests and mold damage during storage. The objective of this study was to investigate the insect species dynamics and the losses of on-farm-stored sesame seeds during the 2017- 2018 production year. Sesame seed samples obtained from randomly selected 431farm households in five districts were analyzed to determine the insect species present, insect density, seed weight loss, seed damage, germination percentage, and dockage using R software version 4.2.2. Biophysical parameters such as inter-granular temperature, seed moisture, and relative humidity were also recorded. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with the 431 farm households to gather information on their seed storage methods, practices for controlling insect pests, and the varieties of sesame they produce and store. The findings revealed the presence of 13 arthropod species from four orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera) which belongs to eight families (Tenebrionidae, Silvanidae, Bostrichidae, Curculionidae, Carabidae, Coreidae, Formicidae, and Pyralidae) in the stored sesame seeds at the study site. The most prevalent species was the flour beetle (Tribolium spp.), accounting for 44.26% of the infestation, followed by the rice moth, lesser grain borer, and rice weevil, which constituted 28.2%, 15.72%, and 4.88% of the infestation, respectively. The farmers grew and stored nine different cultivars along with one improved sesame variety called setit-1. On average, there was a 1.97% loss in seed weight, with insect pests causing damage to 8.3% of the seeds. The study districts exhibited an average of 3.79 insects per kilogram of sesame seeds, and the seeds showed a mean germination rate of 77%, which was significantly influenced by the extent of insect damage. The study underscores the significant challenges faced by sesame production and storage in Ethiopia due to inadequate storage practices and infestation by insect pests, resulting in diminished seed quality and quantity. To mitigate the losses incurred from storing sesame on farms, effective measures should be implemented, including improved storage practices and efficient pest control methods.

Occurrence and Levels of Mycotoxins in On-Farm-Stored Sesame in Major Growing Districts of Ethiopia

Mycotoxins in sesame seeds pose a significant risk to both food safety and Ethiopia’s economy. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and concentrations of mycotoxins in sesame seeds kept on farms in Ethiopia’s key sesame-producing areas. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 470 sesame seed samples from farmers′ storage facilities in five important districts. Total aflatoxin (AFT), ochratoxin A (OTA), total fumonisin (FUM), and deoxynivalenol (DON) were identified using both a lateral flow reader and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analysis revealed that all samples contained mycotoxins to varying degrees, with AFT and DON being particularly common. AFT levels varied between 2.5 and 27.8 parts per billion (μg/kg), averaging 13.8 μg/kg, while OTA concentrations were between 5.0 and 9.7 μg/kg, averaging 7.1 μg/kg. Total fumonisin levels spanned from 300 to 1300 μg/kg, averaging 800 μg/kg. DON was found in the range of 560 to 700 μg/kg. Notably, 96.8% of the samples fell within the safe range for AFT, FUM, and DON mean levels as defined by the Federal Drug Administration’s maximum limits. The co-occurrence rates of AFT-OTA, DON-OTA, AFT-FUM, FUM-DON, and FUM-OTA were observed at 44.0%, 38.3%, 33.8%, 30.2%, 29.8%, and 26.0%, respectively. Around 37.2% of the samples showed signs of fungal infection, and seed germination rates varied between 66.8% and 91.1%. The Limmu district exhibited higher total aflatoxin levels, greater kernel infection, and reduced germination rates compared to other districts. The Wollega sesame variety was more susceptible to kernel infection, had higher total aflatoxin levels, and lower germination rates compared to other varieties. Additionally, the age of the grain significantly affected (p &lt; 0.05) both kernel infection and germination. Current storage practices in Ethiopia’s primary sesame-growing districts are conducive to the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Given the public health implications of mycotoxin levels in sesame, it is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate in identifying and implementing secure and effective storage solutions to preserve both the quantity and quality of sesame at the smallholder farmer level. This study underscores the necessity for improved storage technologies to safeguard sesame quality and diminish the risk of mycotoxin contamination.

Effects of different NPK levels on growth and seed yield of sesame (&lt;i&gt;Sesamum indicum&lt;/i&gt; L) varieties in Bauchi, Nigeria

Sesame is an important oil seed crop which is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics of the world but farmers in the northern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria seldom apply fertilizers to the crop. Trials were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons at the Research Farm of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, to study the effects of different levels of NPK on the growth and seed yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in Bauchi. The experiment was laid out in split plot design consisting of four levels of NPK and 8 varieties of sesame, giving a total of 32 treatment combinations. The varieties were kept in the main plot while NPK levels were assigned to subplots. The parameters assessed include plant height, number of leaves, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, stem diameter, internode length, dry matter, leaf area, days to 75% flowering and maturity, number of capsules, number of seeds per capsule, number of seeds per locule, one thousand seed weight and seed yield. Results showed significant difference (p&lt; 0.05) on growth, yield and yield attributes of sesame in both years. The different grain yield responses were associated with the differences in NPK levels. Sesame seed yield increased linearly from the application of 75 kg NPK ha-1, 100 kg NPK ha-1 to 125 kg NPK ha-1.&#x0D;

Comparative Study of the Agronomic Performance of Two Sesame Varieties (Sesamum indicum L.): The Case of Local Variety of Central African Origin and Pakréssaya Variety of Burkinabe Origin

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) is a crop with high economic potential in Central African agriculture. This speculation is the subject of a booming international trade for its seeds, oil and meal. The objective of this study is to characterize the agro morphological variability of the two sesame accessions. The trial was conducted at the Bakéré Agricultural Research Station in Bossembele. The plant material used was composed of two sesame accessions from various sources (Central African Republic and Burkina Faso). The choice of land is marked by the delimitation of the plot, the staking and the surveying. The preparation of the soil was carried out in several stages. It is a plot of land of 0.75 hectares divided into three blocks of 0.25 hectares. Sowing took place on August 20, 2022. Before sowing, the sesame is mixed with the sand to respect the rate per hectare because the seeds are too fine. The different parameters measured are: stem length, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant. The different parameters were assessed using the two-criteria analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the R software version 3.1.3. The results obtained showed that the Pakressaya variety is the earliest and gave the first flower at 31-32 days after sowing and reached 50% flowering at 33-34 days after sowing, thus reflecting the earliness in this variety. The variety (of Central African origin) is the latest and gave the first flower at 52-53 days after sowing and reached 50% flowering at 56-57 days after sowing with many more fruiting branches. The pakressaya variety proved to be productive and was selected for the rest of our project. In perspective, it is envisaged to determine the genetic diversity of the Pakréssaya accession using microsatellite markers.

Analysis of the Economic Impact of Research and Agricultural Extension of Sesame in Burkina Faso

This study aims to assess the economic impact of research and extension as for improved sesame varieties in Burkina Faso. Indeed, the effectiveness of the use of financial resources allocated to research and extension is a concern for donors and governments of different countries. The economic surplus model was used as an analytical tool for this study. Thus, data were collected from research, extension and statistical data production structures. This method evaluates the impacts in terms of shift of the supply curves. The results of the model show that it is benefitting to invest in cowpea research. In fact, in this study, the internal return rate is about 69% for the period ranging from 2006 to 2018, with a net added value nearly 372 billion FCFA. Such high rates could only be achieved through the relevance of the research results and their dissemination / adoption. Therefore, for a development of the sesame sector and an improvement of producers ‘income, the investment in the research is essential.

Performance of sesame varieties (&lt;i&gt;Sesemum indicum&lt;/i&gt; L.) as influenced by period of stress and NPK fertilizer rates in the Sudan Savannah

Field trials were conducted at the Irrigation Research Station, Kadawa to evaluate the response of sesame varieties to stress period and NPK fertilization in Sudan savannah. The treatments were two sesame varieties (NCRIBEN 01 and NCRIBEN 03) three water stress period (at seedling, flowering and podding stages), three NPK application rates (200, 270 and 340 kg NPKha-1). The experimental design used was randomized complete block design (RCBD) laid out in a split plot arrangement where the factorial combination of fertilizer rates and water stress periods were assigned to the main plot and varieties allocated to the sub plot and replicated three times. Results showed that variety NCRIBEN 03 recorded more capsules and higher capsule weight per plant and a grain yield of 1111.4 kg ha-1 and 1168.8kgha-1, in 2012/13 and 2013/14 dry seasons respectively. Stressing sesame at podding lead to 17 and 29% decline in number of pods and pod weight per plant, respectively and31% drop in grain yield. Application of 340 kg NPK fertilizer ha1 had highest yield of 1018 and 1078 kg ha-1 in 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons, respectively. The use of variety NCRIBEN 03 + 340 kg NPK fertilizer ha1+ stressing sesame at seedling stage will give best grain yield of sesame.

Full-length transcriptome and RNA-Seq analyses reveal the resistance mechanism of sesame in response to Corynespora cassiicola

BackgroundCorynespora leaf spot is a common leaf disease occurring in sesame, and the disease causes leaf yellowing and even shedding, which affects the growth quality of sesame. At present, the mechanism of sesame resistance to this disease is still unclear. Understanding the resistance mechanism of sesame to Corynespora leaf spot is highly important for the control of infection. In this study, the leaves of the sesame resistant variety (R) and the sesame susceptible variety (S) were collected at 0–48 hpi for transcriptome sequencing, and used a combined third-generation long-read and next-generation short-read technology approach to identify some key genes and main pathways related to resistance.ResultsThe gene expression levels of the two sesame varieties were significantly different at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hpi, indicating that the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes in the R might enhanced the resistance. Moreover, combined with the phenotypic observations of sesame leaves inoculated at different time points, we found that 12 hpi was the key time point leading to the resistance difference between the two sesame varieties at the molecular level. The WGCNA identified two modules significantly associated with disease resistance, and screened out 10 key genes that were highly expressed in R but low expressed in S, which belonged to transcription factors (WRKY, AP2/ERF-ERF, and NAC types) and protein kinases (RLK-Pelle_DLSV, RLK-Pelle_SD-2b, and RLK-Pelle_WAK types). These genes could be the key response factors in the response of sesame to infection by Corynespora cassiicola. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that specific modules could be enriched, which manifested as enrichment in biologically important pathways, such as plant signalling hormone transduction, plant-pathogen interaction, carbon metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, MAPK and other stress-related pathways.ConclusionsThis study provides an important resource of genes contributing to disease resistance and will deepen our understanding of the regulation of disease resistance, paving the way for further molecular breeding of sesame.

Effects of Honey Bee Pollination on Seed Yield and Chemical Composition of Two Sesame Varieties in Egypt

Effects of Honey Bee Pollination on Seed Yield and Chemical Composition of Two Sesame Varieties in Egypt