Collection and evaluation of sesame (Sesamum spp.) germplasm in Nigeria

摘要

Germplasm collection missions were undertaken in Nigeria between 1997 and 1999 to collect and conserve indigenous sesame cultivars and landraces from all the sesame-producing States in the country. Germplasm exchanges with other organizations, such asthe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAG), Italy, and the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, were also made. In total, 83 accessions were acquired, of which 42 were exchanges from IAR, and 8 were obtained from Columbia and Mexico through PAO, while 33 accessions were collected from various regions in Nigeria. These were evaluated for major morpho-botanical agronomic traits along with assessment of the extent of genetic variability of the structural components. These evaluations will enhance selection and subsequent breeding work towards the development of improved and adaptable sesame varieties in Nigeria.