Muhammad Abba Isah Audu, Yusuf Idris, Muhammad Liman Muhammad, Olamide Ahmed Falusi, Ibrahim Alhassan Salihu, Catherine Ifeyinwa Okoye

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

Abstract 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.

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/Botlit.2022.2.6

Keywords anti-nutrients, breeding, desirable traits, genetic variability, seeds

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