Selection of sesame genotypes with high oil content and large seed size

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an economically significant oilseed crop in Thailand, with increasing demand for its seeds in both domestic and international markets. However, sesame production for processing and export remains limited due to high variability in seed size and oil content among local cultivars, leading to inconsistent seed quality and reduced market competitiveness. This study aimed to identify sesame lines with high oil content, large and well-developed seeds, and uniform seed color. The experiment was conducted at the Ubon Ratchathani Field Crops Research Center in 2022 during two cropping seasons: early and late rainy seasons. In the early rainy season, 30 sesame lines from the germplasm collection were evaluated. The red sesame line RS56-08-02 produced the highest seed yield (120 kg/rai), the white sesame line PWS56-5-3-26 exhibited the highest oil content (50.8%), and the white line NS56-41-4-3 had the highest 1,000-seed weight (3.09 g). In the late rainy season, the white sesame line PI436601 had the highest seed yield (123 kg/rai), PWS56-5-3-26 again showed the highest oil content (50.9%), and the Myanmar white sesame variety had the highest 1,000-seed weight (3.57 g). Based on the results, four sesame lines were selected for their superior oil content and seed size: white sesame lines PWS56-5-3-26 and Cplus 1 (high oil content), and white lines NS56-41-4-3 and DOA Ubon Ratchathani 2 (large seed size). These lines are considered promising candidates for future breeding programs aimed at improving sesame quality and productivity.