QTL mapping in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A review

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop used for food, feed, medicinal, and industrial applications. Inherently low genetic yield potential and susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses contribute to low productivity in sesame. Development of stress resistant varieties coupled with high yield is a viable option to raise the genetic potential of sesame. Conventional phenotype-based breeding methods have made an important role in the last couple of decades by developing several sesame varieties with improved quality, yield, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, due to adverse environmental effects, time consuming to develop new variety, and low genetic gain, conventional phenotype-based approach is not adequate to satisfy the rising population growth. In this context, advanced method of genotype selection via modern techniques of biotechnology plays essential roles in reducing the constraints and boosting sesame production to satisfy the huge demand. In line to this, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping is considered as a promising method to address the problems of sesame breeding. Previously, huge data have been generated in the practical use of QTL for sesame improvement. Therefore, this paper aims to review recent advances in the area of QTL mapping for yield and yield related traits in sesame for enhancing and sustaining sesame production. In this section, we present an intensive review on the identification and mapping of the most desirable potential candidate genes/ QTLs associated with desirable traits. Moreover, this review focuses on the major QTL regions and/or potential candidate genes and associated molecular markers that could provide potential genetic resources for molecular marker-assisted selection and further cloning of functional genes for yield and yield-related traits as well as various biotic and abiotic stress tolerances. Finally, the summarized QTL mapping data shed light on future directions for enhanced sesame breeding programs.