Morphological evaluation of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties from different origins

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is known as the king of oil seeds in Vietnam due to the high oil content (50 - 60%) of its seed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate morphology of sesame from different origins. Seventeen sesame varieties originating from El Salvador, Tanzania, Kenya, India, Cambodia and Vietnam were studied. The field experiment was carried out in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam. Fifteen agronomic traits were analysed to select the best varieties for use as potential breeding sources. Varieties from Africa and Central America showed clear signs of being influenced by the climatic differences between Vietnam and from their place of origin. Large biomass growth, late onset of flowering and low yield was the most pronounced features. Sesame varieties from Vietnam and Cambodia gave high seed yields and developed well in the Mekong delta region. Based on the average, the order of the varieties from low to high in seed yield ranked as follows Tanzanian sesame < El Salvadoran sesame < Kenyan sesame < Indian sesame < Vietnamese sesame < Cambodian sesame. Several of the Cambodian and Vietnamese varieties were identified as high yielding and potential sources to be included in future breeding activities. The results achieved could be used for improvement of sesame varieties in various regions.