Biochemical evaluation of mutant genotypes of Sesamum indicum for the development of improved varieties

The nutritional attributes of sesame, Sesamum indicum, vary substantially and are primarily influenced by the plant’s genetic makeup. This investigation accessed the biochemical composition of sesame mutants from two generations. Seeds of eleven M3 lines were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to raise M4 lines, which were advanced to M5 generation. The seeds were harvested at maturity, and their biochemical compositions were quantitatively determined following standard procedures. Results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the biochemical composition of the mutants across the two generations. Exactly 27.27% of the mutants showed a substantial increase in oil composition over their parental varieties at the M4 generation. In comparison, 36.36% of the mutants had higher oil contents than their parental varieties at the M5 generation. The M5 mutants showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher oil content than the M4 mutants. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the protein content of M4 and M5 mutants, with M4 mutants having higher protein content. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in fibre, carbohydrate, energy, and moisture contents of M4 and M5 mutants, with M5 mutants having significantly higher (p < 0.05) carbohydrate and energy contents, while no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in ash content of M4 and M5 mutants. Results also reveal significant differences (p < 0.05) in anti-nutrients of M4 and M5 mutants with notable reductions in some anti-nutritional properties of some mutant lines. High and stable nutritional attributes are desirable traits in sesame breeding. The identified mutants with desirable traits are potential candidates that could be selected and developed as the first mutant varieties of sesame in Nigeria.