Diversity in sesamum germplasm of southern and western districts of Orissa

Sesamum occupies an important position among oilseed crops of Orissa. It is grown in high lands in June-December in hilly districts and in lowlands in January-April (dry season) after harvest of paddy. Cultivated sesame mostly belongs to Bhadei (May-July), Maghi (Aug-NOV/Dec) and Nitaji (January-April) types. During a survey to collect, evaluate and conserve the genetic resources of this important crop, sesamum growing belt consisting o seven districts of eastern ghat and central plains region of Orissa was explored during November 1992. The areas explored are situated between 70° 31′ to 22° 34′ N latitude and 81° 24′ to 87° 21′ east longitude, with topography varying from hilly undulating in eastern ghats to plain areas in central table land. between 135 to 700 m elevation. In total forty eight accessions of cultivated sesamum consisting of 2 accessions of Bhadei, 43 accessions of Maghi and 3 accessions of Nilaji and 2 accessions of wild Sesamum were collected. The paper presents details of the variability collected.