What are the varieties released in sesame?

Sesame is an important oilseed crop cultivated in various parts of the world. Over the years, several sesame varieties have been developed to enhance yield, resistance to diseases and pests, and adaptation to different agro-climatic conditions. Some notable sesame varieties include:

1. Tilotamma: This is an early maturing variety, taking about 85-90 days to mature. It is known for its high yield potential and resistance to common diseases such as powdery mildew and Alternaria blight. Tilotamma produces large, black seeds with a high oil content.

2. Pratibha: Pratibha is a medium-duration variety, maturing in around 100-110 days. It is characterized by its large, white seeds and high oil content. This variety has good resistance to shattering, making it suitable for mechanical harvesting.

3. Gujarat Til-2: This variety is known for its heat tolerance and resistance to drought conditions. It matures in about 115-120 days and produces medium-sized, black seeds with a good oil content. Gujarat Til-2 is widely grown in the western states of India.

4. TMV-14: TMV-14 is a high-yielding variety developed by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. It matures in around 110-120 days and is known for its resistance to major sesame diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and bacterial leaf spot.

5. RT-46: This is a popular sesame variety known for its high oil content and resistance to pests and diseases. It matures in about 100-110 days and produces large, black seeds. RT-46 is extensively cultivated in the southern states of India.

6. GT-10: GT-10 is a high-yielding variety developed by the Gujarat Agricultural University. It is known for its uniform seed size, high oil content, and resistance to major diseases. This variety matures in around 105-110 days.

7. Krishna: Krishna is a white-seeded sesame variety that is known for its high oil content and resistance to powdery mildew. It matures in about 90-100 days and is suitable for cultivation in both rainfed and irrigated conditions.

8. TC 25: TC 25 is a drought-tolerant variety that is well-adapted to rainfed conditions. It matures in about 115-120 days and produces large, black seeds with a high oil content. TC 25 is widely cultivated in the dry regions of India.

These are just a few examples of the numerous sesame varieties available. Each variety has its unique characteristics in terms of maturity duration, seed size, oil content, and resistance to various stresses. Farmers select the most suitable variety based on their specific agro-climatic conditions and desired traits to ensure successful sesame production.