Exploring fatty acid composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant properties in oils of newly developed sesame mutant lines in Morocco

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is renowned for its significance as a global oilseed crop, valued for its high oil content and nutritional properties. This study aimed to explore the fatty acid composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant attributes of sesame mutant oils, examining their potential applications in food industry. Nine M₄ mutants, along with their parents, were grown in two contrasting environments (Taoujdate and Afourare) to investigate their seed oil, phenolic and flavonoid contents, the balance between omega-6, omega-9, and omega-3 fatty acids, iodine value, and susceptibility to oxidation. Genotype and environment main effects as well as their interaction had a significant effect on the majority of the parameters studied. The mutant “US2-1” stands out with a distinctive fatty acid profile, featuring the highest saturated fatty acids, ω-6/ω-9 ratio, and omega-3 content, in addition to its high total flavonoid content and remarkable oxidative stability. “ML2-10,” “US1-2,” “US2-6,” and “US2-7” exhibit high oil content, coupled with substantial levels of phenols and flavonoids, rendering them excellent candidates for culinary and industrial applications where oxidative stability is important. “ML2-68,” “ML2-72,” “US06,” “US1-DL,” and “US1-3” offer versatile options with their moderate oil content and fatty acid profiles that resist oxidation. This research highlights the potential for breeding sesame mutants tailored to specific applications, contributing to both enhanced oil production and improved nutritional value. The insights gained here pave the way for the development of sesame varieties with superior nutritional and functional attributes, thereby promoting the sustainable production and consumption of sesame oil.