EVALUATION OF EXOTIC GERMPLASM LINES OF SESAME

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important and ancient oil crop cultivated
extensively from tropical to temperate zones in the world. Asia accounts for
2/3rd of the sesame global production. India, China and Republic of Korea
are the major producers, though the crop is grown in several other countries
also. India, with an area of 2.03 m ha under this crop, is a major producer
accounting for 38 per cent of the world's sesame area and 25 per cent of its
production (0.62 m. tonnes). However, the average per hectare yield is rather
low (304 kg/ha) compared to other sesame growing countries of the world.
One of the reasons for low productivity must be lack of high yielding varieties
having wider adaptability