SCREENING OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum) GENOTYPES AGAINST SALINITY AT GERMINATION, FLOWERING AND HARVESTING STAGES

The objective of the study was to identify salt-tolerant sesame genotypes suitable for moderately saline condition. Eighty-six of sesame accessions were evaluated at a salinity level of 7.5 dS/m and six genotypes (BD-6980, BD-7009, BD-7011, BD-6994, BD-6983, and BD-6999) with higher germination rates advanced to flowering and harvesting stages. Physiological, biochemical, and yield performances were assessed. Results revealed that salt stress gradually raises intercellular CO2 because it lowers transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, both of which lead to a drop in sesame plant photosynthesis. Salinity also disrupted plant water relations, reducing relative water content (RWC%) and increasing water saturation deficit (WSD%), while lowering leaf chlorophyll content. On the other hand, osmoprotectants such as proline accumulation rise in response to salt stress, enhancing sesame tolerance to salinity. Different genotypes showed variations in physiological, biochemical, and yield properties. Notably, BD-7011 emerged as the most salt-tolerant genotype. Further testing of this BD-7011 genotype to serve as donor parents for sesame crop improvement initiatives aimed at to improve salt tolerance and develop resilient sesame varieties.