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 M 3 lines were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to raise M4 lines, which were advanced to M 5 generation. The seeds were harvested at maturity, and their biochemical compositions were quantitatively determined following standard procedures. Results revealed significant diffe- rences (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 M 5 generation. The M 5 mutants showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher oil content than the M 4 mutants. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the protein content of M 4 and M 5 mutants, with M 4 mutants having higher protein content. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in fibre, carbohydrate, energy, and moisture contents of M 4 and M 5 mutants, with M 5 mutants having significantly higher (p < 0.05) carbohydrate and energy con- tents, while no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in ash content of M 4 and M 5 mutants. Results also reveal significant differences (p < 0.05) in anti-nutrients of M 4 and M 5 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.