Screening of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes for major diseases

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a diploid species belonging to Pedaliaceae family and an ancient kharif oilseed crop of India which is grown mainly for its edible oil. The production and productivity of sesame is constrained by various biotic and abiotic stresses. In the present investigation, 24 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes were screened under natural field conditions against major diseases viz. phyllody, charcoal rot and leaf curl. Among the 24 sesame genotypes, only four genotypes namely JLS 110-12, HT 9913, T 78 and KMR 60 were found to possess multiple disease resistance with 0-8.8 % disease incidence against aforementioned diseases while three genotypes namely HT 9913, T 78 and KMR 60 registered 0 % incidence of leaf curl disease. These resistant sources might be very useful as donor parents in hybridization programme for the development of multiple disease resistant and high yielding varieties in future sesame crop improvement programme.