Morphological and Agronomic Characterization of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Germplasm for Breeding Potential and Genetic Diversity Assessment

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a crucial oilseed crop in Bangladesh, valued for its high-quality oil and adaptability to diverse environments. This study aimed to characterize 30 sesame germplasm accessions using DUS descriptors to assess genetic diversity. The research was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University, focusing on qualitative and quantitative traits. Significant variation was observed in attributes such as plant growth habit (93.33% indeterminate), leaf characteristics (70% green leaf color), and capsule morphology (70% narrow-oblong shape). The quantitative traits revealed a range of plant height from 108.00 cm (BD-6995) to 153.33 cm (BD-6990), with an average of 126.83 cm. Seed yield per plant varied from 2.97 g (BD-6995) to 57.71 g (BD-6979), with an average of 13.09 g. Cluster analysis grouped the germplasm into five distinct clusters, with Kalotil, BD-6979, and BD-6981 standing out for high yield, large seed size, and favorable capsule characteristics. Kalotil exhibited the highest number of capsules (137 per plant) and seeds per capsule (85.67). These findings provide valuable insights for sesame breeding programs, e.g., suitability for hybridization, emphasizing genetic diversity for future crop improvement. The study supports sustainable agricultural development by enhancing the conservation and utilization of sesame germplasm in Bangladesh. Additionally, the findings would be a useful piece in the future to include molecular markers based on individual genotype investigation for detailed characterisation of sesame germplasm.