SESAME (Sesamum indicum) (2n=26)

  

It is an ancient oil seed crop of tropics and warm sub-tropics. It is also called as gingelly.

Origin: India, and Ethopia (Africa)

Distribution: India, Pakistan, Africa, China, Mexico, Iran, Iraq etc.

Progenitors: Sesamum angustifolium

S. radiatum

S. alatum

 

Wild species utilised in breeding programme

1. S.alatum 2n = 26

Resistant to phyllody S.alatum x S.indicum alatum is having dormancy.

2. S.malabaricum (2n = 26) Occurs in Travancore of Kerala. It freely crosses with cultivated

gingelly. Oil content is low 32% It is utilised to induce male sterility in cultivated sesame.

3. S.laciniatum 2n = 32

Tolerant to phyllody, drought and jassid resistant.

Fertile auto allopoly ploid produced by crossing S.indicum x S.laciniatum

Sterile, Double.

4. S.prostratum occurs in S.India (2n = 26)

Tolerant to drought.