The Production of Sesame in Ethiopia

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Recommended: Origin of sesame

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), is probably the most ancient oilseed known and used by man (Weiss, 1983). The cultivated sesame belongs to order Tubiflorae, family Pedaliaceae; about thirty-seven species have been described in to the genus sesamum, but only Sesamum indicum has been recognized as a cultivated species (Getinet et al. 1998). Even though the origin of sesame is still in debate, Mehra (1967) and Mahajan (2007) considered Ethiopia as the origin of cultivated sesame. Bedigian (1981) argues that, owing to the wide genetic diversity in East Africa (Ethiopia), it is reasonable to assume that this subcontinent is the primary center of origin and India would then be thought of as a secondary center for sesame. Sesame seed, also known as sesamum, gingelly, benniseed, sim-sim and til is an important annual oilseed crop. It has been cultivated for centuries, particularly in Asia and Africa, for its high content of edible oil and protein (Johnson et al., 1979; Weiss, 1983).
Sesame is grown from 300-1700 m.a.s.l, nevertheless, it grows and yields well in altitudes ranging from 650 to 1250 m.a.s.l, for optimum growth, sesame requires frost free and warm areas, with uniformly distributed rainfall of about 300 to 800 mm per season is necessary for reasonable yields. However, optimum yields are obtained in areas with 500- 650 mm rainfall per annum well distributed over the 3-4 months growing period. Sesame needs water during the seedling, flowering, and grain filling stages Temperature of 25- 37oC encourages rapid germination, initial growth, and flower formation. Temperature below 20 oC for any length of time inhibits germination or delay, and a temperature of less than 18 oC after emergence will severely retard growth of seedlings (Ge...

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...crop and increasing the growth domestic product and growth national product by increasing the productivity of the crop. As Humera type white seeded sesame is appreciated worldwide for its aroma and sweet taste and is has 100 Ethiopian birr premium price per quintal.

Knowledge on the extent and pattern of genetic variability present in sesame population is absolutely essential for further improvement of the crop. Similarly, information on the extent and nature of inter relationship among character help in formulating efficient scheme of multiple trait selection. Besides, knowledge of the occurring diversity in a population helps to identify diverse groups of genotypes that can be useful for the breeding program.

Therefore this research project was proposed with the following objective
 To estimate the extent of genetic variability for yield and yield components

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