Evaluation of Heat Tolerant Genotypes in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) based on Heat Susceptible Index

Author: M.K. Ghasolia, S.S. Rajput, S.S. Punia, Deepak Gupta, D.K. Gothwal, Sunita Gupta, G.K. Mittal and D.L. Bagdi

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Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is highly susceptible to heat stress, which adversely affects its growth, yield, and overall productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the heat tolerance of different sesame genotypes using the Heat Susceptibility Index (HSI) and key physiological and agronomic traits. The experiment was conducted at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner during kharif 2023 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under both normal and heat stress conditions. A total of thirty-six (eight parents and twenty-eight F1’s) sesame genotypes were assessed for yield performance, chlorophyll content, relative water content, membrane stability index, and proline accumulation, which are critical indicators of heat stress adaptation. Results showed a significant reduction in yield and other agronomic traits under heat stress, highlighting the adverse impact of high temperatures. However, genotypes RT-386, MT-5-04, VS-16-009, EC-370934, and IC-43135 exhibited superior heat tolerance, making them promising candidates for breeding programs. Early flowering and maturity were found to be beneficial in mitigating heat stress effects. Furthermore, hybrid combinations such as EC-370934 × IC-43135 and MT-5-04 × IC-43135 demonstrated stability under high-temperature conditions, suggesting their potential for heat-resilient sesame breeding. The findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of heat tolerance in sesame and emphasize the need for developing climate-resilient varieties

Keywords

Heat stress, Heat Susceptibility, Tolerance, Temperatures, Genotypes, maturity, Stability, Abiotic stresses

Conclusion

This study highlights the impact of heat stress on sesame and identifies heat-tolerant genotypes using the Heat Susceptibility Index (HSI). Heat stress significantly reduced yield and agronomic traits, emphasizing the need for resilient varieties. Genotypes RT-386, MT-5-04, VS-16-009, EC-370934, and IC-43135 showed superior heat tolerance, making them promising for breeding programs. Key physiological traits, including chlorophyll content, relative water content, membrane stability index, and proline accumulation, played a role in heat adaptation. Early flowering and maturity also helped mitigate heat stress. Promising hybrids like EC-370934 × IC-43135 and MT-5-04 × IC-43135 showed stability under high temperatures. These findings provide insights into the genetic basis of heat tolerance in sesame

References

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How to cite this article

M.K. Ghasolia, S.S. Rajput, S.S. Punia, Deepak Gupta, D.K. Gothwal, Sunita Gupta, G.K. Mittal and D.L. Bagdi (2025). Evaluation of Heat Tolerant Genotypes in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) based on Heat Susceptible Index. Biological Forum, 17(3): 07-11