Biophysical properties of trichome in sesame phyllody

This study investigates biophysical properties of the trichome of sesame plants showing phyllody in the four genotypes of sesame GT-10, TKG-308, VRI-1, and RT-351. Trichome density, type, length, and width were examined using microscopic techniques. The results revealed two main types of trichomes: glandular and non-glandular. Healthy plants showed significantly higher trichome density, length, and width compared to diseased plants. The highest trichome density was recorded in healthy plants in GT-10 (29.23/mm). GT-10 also exhibited both glandular and non-glandular trichomes, unlike other genotypes, which predominantly had non-glandular trichomes. The findings indicate that phyllody infection affects the trichome development of sesame plants, with reduced trichome size and density in diseased plants. These results could aid in developing new insect- resistant cultivars through breeding programs incorporating biophysical traits.