Biotechnological Approaches for Genetic Improvement of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated since the ancient past for its healthy and quality oil. However, it is only in the recent past that modern genomic tools have been developed in sesame and deployed in sesame crop improvement. Knowledge of biotechnological tools and techniques developed in sesame in the post-genomics era would help to bridge the long-stagnated yield barrier and relieve the crop from a range of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this context, an attempt has been made to collect, analyze, organize, and present information on biotechnological approaches for sesame crop improvement. Further, in the foreground of the immediate research attention required for sesame crop improvement and the background of works accomplished so far, future perspectives have been discussed. The present chapter is intended to educate stakeholders of sesame research ecosystem: researchers, academicians, scientists, policymakers, research funders, students, etc.