A review on yield improvement of the important oilseed sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using biotechnology

Abstract The worldwide steep rise of vegetable oil consumption creates an urgency to improve oilseed crop yield. Sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) is called the “Queen of Oilseeds” due to the voluminous presence of several vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial fatty acids; the oil is considered safe for consumption. It is widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. However, compared to other oilseed crops, the meagre yield of sesame largely hampers its successful commercialisation. The major problems associated with this crop are early pod shattering and susceptibility to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Biotechnology-mediated crop improvement is a good alternative to slow, labour-intensive, and cumbersome conventional breeding methods. Worldwide efforts can be observed to improve targeted traits of this crop using modern biotechnological tools. However, the lack of a well-accepted regeneration and transformation protocol is the major burden in implementing biotechnological yield improvement methods in sesame, especially transgenesis-mediated gene manipulation techniques. In this review, we discussed the growth and cultivation scenario of sesame. We also depicted the important problems associated with low crop yield. Next, we represented the current progress of regeneration and associated transgenesis-mediated gene manipulation research in sesame. We also briefed on the importance of sesame whole-genome sequencing. Finally, we presented a concise discussion on the available potential genes, regulatory elements, DNA markers, and QTLs that can be used in gene manipulative and marker-assisted selection-based yield improvement programmes. Information presented in this review article could potentially be utilised for yield improvement research in sesame.