Genes and QTLs discovery for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) breeding traits: A review

Sesame is a multi-purpose high-value oilseed crop, which can beused in the food, feed, and cosmetics applications. The low yield of sesame is due to the lack of high-yielding and locally adapted varieties, which have the susceptibility to capsule shattering and biotic and abiotic stresses. The breeding gains in sesame are low and stagnant compared to other oilseed crops such as canola, groundnut and sunflower. Breeding for enhanced yield-related, oil quantity and quality, biotic and abiotic stresses tolerant varieties is vital to the adaptation of the climate change. Several genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to yield-related, oil quantity and quality, biotic and abiotic stresses tolerant have been identified through modern plant breeding tools in sesame. The depth understanding of the genetic basis, molecular mechanisms and regulatory genes involved in yield-related, oil quantity and quality, biotic and abiotic stresses tolerant in sesame is important for the improvement of sesame breeding programs. This article reviews and documents these achievements will provide fundamental data and references for practical applications of sesam research.