Evaluation of Sesame Genotypes under In vitro-salt Stress Conditions Based on Seed-related Traits

Sesame has adaptability to a wide range of climates and soil concludes and its cultivation may be an alternative option in areas with salinity problems. However, the performance of this plant in salinity stress environment and the evaluation of germplasm from different places with morphological and physiological diseases have not been studied well. With this background, the present investigation was carried out at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, to evaluate the salt tolerance potential of twenty sesame genotypes under salinity stress. Based on overall observations, the sesame genotype VS-20-042 is identified as more saline tolerant, followed by the genotypes Kattikulam local, TMV 3, VS-20-078, and VS-20-008. The sesame variety VRI 4 is moderately sensitive to salinity followed by the genotype VS-20-054 and VS-21-060. The sesame genotypes, SVPR 1, Swetha, VRI 2 and VS-20 -005 are selected as highly salt sensitive. From this study it is concluded that the identified salt tolerant sesame genotypes viz., VS-20-042, Kattikulam local, TMV3, VS-20-078 and VS-20-008 may be used as salt tolerant donor in salt stress tolerance breeding programme.