Variability of Sesamum indicum L. germoplasm after reaction to suboptimal temperature and its agronomic value

Abstract

The paper presents data on the influence of the minimum temperature (15 °C) on the genotypes of sesame, 40 in number, from the gene bank of the Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, by modeling artificial environmental stress under laboratory conditions. Cluster analysis (k – means) of a set of cultivars and lines of sesame highlighted a cluster of 23 genotypes with higher germination indices, length of root and stem. Among these, the genotypes L1, Iubileinâi, Cubanet 55 and Delco recorded the highest values according to the number of capsules per plant (45.5-53.9) and productivity per plant (7.4-8.3 g) in combination with indications of important agronomic characters and resistance to low temperatures obtained in the experiences of field.