Genome-wide identification,characterization and functional prediction of the SRS gene family in sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)is an ancient oilseed crop of the Pedaliaceae family with high oil content and potential health benefits.SHI RELATED SEQUENCE(SRS)proteins are the transcription factors(TFs)specific to plants that contain RING-like zinc finger domain and are associated with the regulation of several physiological and biochemical processes.They also play vital roles in plant growth and development such as root formation,leaf development,floral development,hormone biosynthesis,signal transduction,and biotic and abiotic stress responses.Nevertheless,the SRS gene family was not reported in sesame yet.In this study,identification,molecular characterization,phylogenetic relationship,cis-acting regulatory elements,protein-protein interaction,syntenic relationship,duplication events and expression pattern of SRS genes were analyzed in S.indicum.We identified total six SiSRS genes on seven different linkage groups in the S.indicum genome by comparing with the other species,including the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.The SiSRS genes showed variation in their structure like2–5 exons and 1–4 introns.Like other species,SiSRS proteins also contained‘RING-like zinc finger'and‘LRP1'domains.Then,the SiSRS genes were clustered into subclasses via phylogenetic analysis with proteins of S.indicum,A.thaliana,and some other plant species.The cis-acting regulatory elements analysis revealed that the promoter region of SiSRS4(SIN_1011561)showed the highest 13 and 16 elements for light-and phytohormone-responses whereas,SiSRS1(SIN_1015187)showed the highest 15 elements for stress-response.The ABREs,or ABA-responsive elements,were found in a maximum of 8 copies in the SiSRS3(SIN 1009100).Moreover,the available RNA-seq based expression of SiSRS genes revealed variation in expression patterns between stress-treated and non-treated samples,especially in drought and salinity conditions in.S.indicum.Two SiSRS genes like SiSRS1(SIN_1015187)and SiSRS5(SIN_1021065),also exhibited variable expression patterns between control vs PEG-treated sesame root samples and three SiSRS genes,including SiSRS1(SIN_1015187),SiSRS2(SIN_1003328)and SiSRS5(SIN_1021065)were responsive to salinity treatments.The present outcomes will encourage more research into the gene expression and functionality analysis of SiSRS genes in S.indicum and other related species.

Production and achievements of Sesamum indicum industry in the world:Past and current state

Sesame production is important in agriculture,food industry,and the crop diversity due to its rich nutritional profile and health benefits.Despite its significant value,sesame is still an orphan crop that has received little scientific attention,resulting in low yield compared to other major oilseed crops.This review offers a comprehensive overview of the present state of production,knowledge,and research advancements concerning Sesamum indicum on a global scale.The FAOSTAT database was extensively used to examine the global trends from 1961 to 2021.In the past 60 years,global sesame production has substantially increased,with Asia and Africa being the primary producers.The integration of omics technologies and biotechnological interventions has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic basis of sesame,enhanced productivity,invigorated stress resilience,and improved seed quality.High-throughput sequencing methods such as RNA-seq,RAD-seq,SLAF-seq,and GBS technology are used in various studies,linkage mapping,and identification of trait-associated markers.Fine linkage maps,and multi-omics studies such as genomics,proteomics,transcriptomics,and metabolomics have been employed in sesame research for gene and QTL mapping.Proteins and metabolic pathways related to oil content,yield,and stress tolerance were reported.Genes and QTLs related to yield and its components,drought,salt,and osmotic stress tolerance were discovered.Candidate genes associated with capsule shattering and seed shattering were recently revealed.For more achievement in sesame,it is important to enhance sesame production efficiency through mechanization,advanced agricultural practices,and knowledge dissemination to farmers.MAS and multi-omics integration should be particularly reinforced.The advancements in sesame production present a significant and promising opportunity for farmers,governments,and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

芝麻栽培种与野生种(Sesamum schinzianum Asch、Sesamum radiatum Schum & Thonn)种间杂交后代的生物学特性

【目的】探明芝麻栽培种与野生种种间杂交的亲和性,分析杂交后代遗传特征。【方法】以26个基因型(Sesamum indicum L.)与刚果野芝麻(Sesamum schinzianum Asch)和野芝1号(Sesamum radiatum Schum&Thonn)野生种为杂交亲本,借助胚培养技术获得种间杂交后代。采用SSR标记和生物学方法鉴定并分析杂交种F1的遗传特性。【结果】通过胚培养技术获得2 430个种间杂交F1株系,对部分材料的检测表明杂种阳性率为95.83%。刚果野芝麻×栽培种的正反交杂交率分别为34.62%(A)和11.54%(C),野芝1号×栽培种的正反交杂交率分别为100%(B)和19.23%(D)。F1花粉粒存在部分不育和高度不育两种类型,F1自交结实率分别为2.32—2.57粒/蒴果(S.schinzianum×S.indicum)和0.30—2.45粒/蒴果(S.radiatum×S.indicum)。【结论】S.radiatum与栽培种的杂交亲和率高于S.schinzianum。以野生种为母本与栽培种杂交,杂交种F1在株高、根系结构等性状方面超亲表现明显;株系高抗枯萎病;部分F1株系有低自交结实性。

芝麻（Sesamum indicum L．）根系的解剖结构与耐涝强度的相关性研究

本文用常规石蜡切片法观察了耐涝芝麻品种根系与怕涝芝麻品种根系解剖结构的区别。用改良的丹尼管法测量了芝麻茎叶部分向根系输送氧气的数量，探讨了芝麻的抗涝机理。研究结果证明：耐涝芝麻品种根系具有皮层厚。皮层细胞呈柱状排列，皮层细胞间隙大等结构特征。当根系渍水时，耐涝芝麻品种的茎叶能向根系输送较多氧气，在一定程度上缓解了根系缺氧的状况。

Antioxidant lignans sesamin and sesamolin in sesame(Sesamum indicum L.):a comprehensive review and future prospects

Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)is a significantly lucrative cash crop for millions of small-holder farmers.Its seeds are an important source of a highly appreciated vegetable oil globally and two clinically essential antioxidant lignans,sesamin and sesamolin.Accordingly,many countries import millions of tons of sesame seed every year.The demand for lignan-rich sesame seeds has been increasing in recent years due to the continuous discovery of several pharmacological attributes of sesamin and sesamolin.To meet this demand,the sesame breeder’s primary objective is to release sesame cultivars that are enriched in oil and lignans.Thus,it is necessary to summarize the information related to the sesamin and sesamolin contents in sesame in order to promote the joint efforts of specialized research teams on this important oilseed crop.In this article,we present the current knowledge on the sesamin and sesamolin contents in S.indicum L.with respect to the updated biosynthesis pathway,associated markers,governing loci,available variability in sesame germplasm,the in planta potential roles of these compounds in sesame,and the newly discovered pharmacological attributes.In addition,we propose and discuss some required studies that might facilitate genomics-assisted breeding of high lignan content sesame varieties.

Sesamum indicum(sesame) enhances NK anti-cancer activity, modulates Th1/Th2 balance, and suppresses macrophage inflammatory response

Objective:To evaluate the potential immunomodulatory effects of an aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum seeds with regard to splenocyte proliferation,Th1/Th2 balance,macrophage function,and the cytotoxic activity of natural killer(NK)cells.Methods:Splenocyte proliferation was measured by[~3H]-thymidine incorporation.Griess assay was performed to evaluate the production of nitric oxide by macrophages.The levels of cytokines secreted by splenocytes and macrophages were measured by ELISA.JAM assay was performed to examine the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against YAC-1 tumor cells.Results:Sesamum indicum significantly enhanced splenocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.Sesamum indicum also increased and suppressed the secretion of Th1 and Th2 cytokines,respectively,by splenocytes.The secretion of key pro-inflammatory mediators(IL-6,TNFα,and nitric oxide)by primary macrophages was significantly inhibited by Sesamum indicum.Moreover,Sesamum indicum increased the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against YAC-1 tumor cells.Conclusions:Sesamum indicum shows potent immunomodulatory,anti-inflammatory,and anti-cancer effects.Constituents of Sesamum indicum may be used as effective therapeutic agents in regulating immune reactions implicated in various infectious and noninfectious conditions including cancer.

Combined Effects of Compost,Supraxone and Lambda-Super on Soil Microbial Activity under Pluvial Cultivation of Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)in Burkina Faso

Sesame cultivation is strategic for the economy of Burkina Faso. Indeed, after cotton, sesame is the second most important agricultural product for exportation. However, its production is limited by plant diseases and pest attacks. Facing this situation, large amounts of pesticides are used to boost productivity. But, these chemicals have a negative impact on soil fertility. In this instance, the effects of Supraxone and Lambda-super in the presence of compost on soil microbial activity under rainfed sesame cultivation in a peasant environment were studied. The experiment design was a block of Fisher (BCR) comparing the non-treated parcel (TNT) to the parcel amended only with compost (C) and to the parcel amended with compost and treated with the pesticides (C + P), respectively. Soil samples were taken at depths of 0 - 20 cm before sowing at 41st and 81st days after sowing. Respiratory activity and soil microbial biomass were monitored respectively by respirometric tests and by the fumigation-incubation method. The results show that the addition of compost into the soil with or without supraxone treatment and Lambda-super resulted in an increase in microbial biomass and soil respiratory quotient. These results show that the provision of compost in sufficient quantity corrects the inhibitory effect of soil biological activity by pesticides.

Assessing Genetic Variation and Relationships among a Mini Core Germplasm of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i>L.) Using Biochemical and RAPD Markers

Knowledge of genetic diversity is essential for any future varietal improvement program. Thus, the objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of the genetic diversity within 15 sesame accessions, using biochemical markers and RAPD. The accessions are of various sources and seeds of different colors;color being an important feature in the sesame market. SDS-PAGE on protein extracts of sesame seeds revealed 31 protein markers, only 4 of which were polymorphic, indicating that this technique is not suitable for studying genetic diversity in S. indicum. The analyses on isoenzymatic extracts of esterase from sesame seedlings made it possible, to distinguish and classify the accessions into 2 major groups. RAPD analysis of genomic DNA using 10-mer primers revealed a high inter-accession genetic diversity. A total of 53 DNA markers, including 48 polymorphic, were produced. The coefficient of similarity between accessions ranged from 0.343 to 0.897. RAPD markers were found to be more suitable for studying genetic diversity within sesame germplasm than isozyme analyzes. Nevertheless, geographical distributions and seed colors are not related to the classes formed.

Reaction of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i>Linn.) Mutant Generations against Webworm, <i>Antigastra catalaunalis</i>Duponchel

Sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn.) (Pedaliaceae) is an important oilseed crop grown in many countries. Among the insect pests infesting sesame, the webworm, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel (Pyraustidae: Lepidoptera) is predominant throughout the crop period. For managing this insect, resistant sesame varieties with higher yield potential and better adaptability to varied locations are essentially needed. Keeping this in view and based on earlier work, three promising accessions viz., IVTS-2001-7, KMR-102 and TMV-3 were selected. To enhance resistance and/or yield traits, these three accessions in comparison with a susceptible check SVPR 1 were subjected to mutagenesis using gamma rays as physical mutagen;Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) and Diethyl Sulphate (DES) as chemical mutants. The first and generation mutants were evaluated under field conditions at Methikudi village, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, Southern India during May, 2012-September, 2014. Webworm infestation was evaluated based on leaf, flower and capsule damage. Among the first mutant (M1) and second mutant (M2) generations, plants of the accessions namely IVTS 2001-7 and TMV-3 were rated as resistant and plants of SVPR-1 were highly susceptible to A. catalaunalis.

Genetic Diversity Assessment of Moroccan Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)Populations Using Agro-morphological Traits

Genetic diversity of Moroccan sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)was analyzed for the first time using agro-morphological traits.Thirty-three sesame populations collected from Tadla region in Morocco were evaluated for 13 parameters in three contrasted environments,Afr-13,Afr-14 and Atj-14.Broad and significant variation among populations was observed only for three agro-morphologic traits,namely first capsule height(FCH),number of seeds per capsule(NSC)and thousand seeds weight(TSW).The respective overall averages were 71.82 cm(ranging from 65 cm to 77 cm),61.39(varying from 57 to 65)and 3.20 g(ranging from 3.0 g to 3.4 g).Environment had a highly significant effect on all studied parameters,except capsule size and oil content.The obtained mean values of parameters studied showed that environment Afr-14 was the most favorable for most of them,particularly seed yield(1.32 t/ha)and TSW(3.57 g).Significant and interesting correlations were observed between seed yield per plant(SYP)and other parameters.As relevant implication of this finding,number of capsules per plant(NCP)and NSC could be used as valuable selection criteria in sesame breeding program.However,limited and non-significant variation among sesame populations for most of parameters studied suggests that they are genetically very close and may be derived from a single cultivar or germplasm.Molecular characterization is needed to confirm or refute this hypothesis.Besides,when compared with sesame grown throughout the world,Moroccan sesame was found to be very promising,which open up the possibility to develop this crop in this country.

Agromorphological and Molecular Characterization of Sesamum indicum L.—An Oil Seed Crop

Sesamum indicum L. (family: Pedaliaceae) is an economically important oil seed crop grown in tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is widely used in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical industries. Sesamum is widely distributed in all the climatic stages and great diversity. The exploration of genetic diversity is a pre-requisite for genome organization in the landraces and the related domesticated ones. Agromorphological and molecular markers were used to assess the identification of 33 Sesamum genotypes and determination of the genetic relationships among these genotypes. Out of 30 Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers tested, 18 primers produced 114 detectable fragments, of which 97 (85.08%) were polymorphic across the varieties. Molecular profiling could be solely used for their identification of genotypes. Genetic relationships among these genotypes were evaluated by generating a similarity matrix based on the Jacard’s coefficient and the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) dendogram. The results showed a clear cut separation of the 33 genotypes and were in broad agreement with the morphology. Both molecular and morphological markers will be useful for preservation of the germplasm as well as breeding program.

Soil Test Based Fertilizer Prescriptions through Inductive cum Targeted Yield Model for Sesamum on Alfisol

Studies on Soil Test Crop Response Based Integrated Plant Nutrition System(STCR-IPNS)were conducted for three years adopting the Inductive cum Targeted Yield Model,on alfisols of Unified Andhra Pradesh,Southern India during summer 2016-2018 in order to develop fertilizer prescriptions through IPNS for the desired yield targets of Sesamum under field conditions.The bases for making the fertilizer prescriptions viz.nutrient requirement(NR),contribution of nutrients from soil(Cs),fertilizer(Cf)and vermicompost(CVC)were computed using the field experimental data.Making use of these basic parameters,the fertilizer prescription equations were developed under NPK alone and under IPNS for the desired yield targets of Sesamum for a range of soil test values.The quantity of fertilizers contributed by the application of vermicompost was assessed.Nutrient requirement to produce 100 kg of sesame seed was worked out to be 10.20 kg N,3.90 kg P2O5 and 5.22 kg K2O.In the present investigation,the requirement of N was higher which is followed by K2O and P2O5.The requirement of N was 2.62 times higher than P and 1.95 times higher than K.The percent contribution of N,P and K was 12.25,15.75 and 6.00 from soils,41.68,22.85 and 59.97 from fertilizer and 9.87,6.74 and 18.65 from organic manures,respectively.Thus the Inductive cum Targeted Yield Model used to develop fertilizer prescription equations provides a strong basis for soil fertility maintenance consistent with high productivity and efficient nutrient management in farming for sustainable and enduring agriculture.

Effect of Microclimatic Modification on Growth and Yield of Sesame （Sesamum indicum L.） in a Semi-Desert Region of Northern Sudan

An investigation was carried out in the semi- desert region of northern Sudan, during 2000, to study the influence of different micrometeorological parameters on growth and yield of sesame under alley cropping system. Sesame, cv. Kenana-2, was grown in 6-m wide alleys formed by 3 year old Acacia ampliceps and Acacia stenophylla. Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar energy and shade behaviour were measured throughout the growing season. Irrigation was measured by water meter and soil moisture by gravimetric sampling at depths of 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm, in alley cropping and control plots. Sesame was evaluated for growth and yield performance in southern, central and northern parts of each alley. The results showed substantial reduction in wind runs, solar radiation and air temperature, while relative humidity was increased under alley conditions. Soil moisture content, especially in the upper 045 cm soil depth, was much higher in alley cropped plots than in the control plots. A. stenophylla resulted in the highest saving of irrigation water and considerably increased （40%） sesame seed yield. In contrast, sesame seed yield was reduced by 46% under A. ampliceps-alley cropping. Competition for light and water were highly responsible for variation in sesame seed yield in the different zones of the alley. A. stenophylla tree is, therefore, recommended in an alley cropping system in the semi-desert region of northern Sudan for its superiority in optimizing radiation and saving of irrigation water.

Response of Hypercholesterolemic Rats to Sesamum indicum Linn Seed Oil Supplemented Diet

Fatty acid composition of Sesamum indicum oil was determined by gas chromatography and the response of hypercholesterolemic rats to diet supplemented with Sesamum indicum seed oil was investigated. Twenty four rats weighing between 120-130 g were randomly assigned into four groups. Group A was fed normal diet, Group B, C and D were fed hypercholesterolemic diet （i.e. 20% fat ＋ 1% cholesterol） for two weeks to establish hypercholesterolemia. Group B were maintained on hyper diet while C and D were fed 5% and 10% benniseed oil supplemented diet for four weeks. Plasma was collected and analyzed for TC （total cholesterol）, HDL-C （high density lipoprotein）, LDL-C （low density lipoprotein） and TG （triglycerides） levels. Linoleic acid （42.44%） and oleic acid （40.60%） were the major unsaturated fatty acid in the oil. Significant increase （P 〈 0.05） was observed in the TC, TG, LDL and LDL/HDL ratio of the hypercholesterolemic rats compared to the normal control. Supplementation with Sesamum indicum seed oil at 5% and 10% levels resulted in significant decrease （P 〈 0.05） in TC, TG, LDL and LDL/HDL ratio, and significant increase in the HDL-C. The high level of unsaturated fatty acid in the oil may in part be responsible for the hypocholesterolemic effect of the oil.

Genomic evolution and insights into agronomic trait innovations of Sesamum species

Sesame is an ancient oilseed crop with high oil content and quality.However,the evolutionary history and genetic mechanisms of its valuable agronomic traits remain unclear.Here,we report chromosome-scale genomes of cultivated sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)and six wild Sesamum species,representing all three karyotypes within this genus.Karyotyping and genome-based phylogenic analysis revealed the evolutionary route of Sesamum species from n=13 to n=16 and revealed that allotetraploidization occurred in the wild species Sesamum radiatum.Early divergence of the Sesamum genus(48.5–19.7 million years ago)during the Tertiary period and its ancient phylogenic position within eudicots were observed.Pan-genome analysis revealed 9164 core gene families in the 7Sesamumspecies.These families are significantly enriched in variousmetabolic pathways,including fatty acid(FA)metabolism and FA biosynthesis.Structural variations in SiPT1 and SiDT1 within the phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding protein gene family lead to the genomic evolution of plant-architecture and inflorescence-development phenotypes in Sesamum.A genome-wide association study(GWAS)of an interspecific population and genome comparisons revealed a long terminal repeat insertion and a sequence deletion inDIR genes of wildSesamum angustifoliumand cultivated sesame,respectively;both variations independently cause high susceptibility toFusariumwilt disease.A GWAS of 560 sesame accessions combined with an overexpression study confirmed that the NAC1andPPOgenes play an important role in upregulating oil content of sesame.Our study provides high-quality genomic resources for cultivated and wild Sesamum species and insights that can improve molecular breeding strategies for sesame and other oilseed crops.

Association Analysis for Quality Traits in a Diverse Panel of Chinese Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)Germplasm

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of a sesame （Sesamum indicum L.） panel for association analysis, and investigate the genetic basis of oil content （OC）, protein content, oleic acid concentration, and linoleic acid concentration using association mapping. A panel of 216 sesame accessions was phenotyped in a multi-environment trial and fingerprinted with 608 polymorphic loci produced by 79 primers, including simple sequence repeats （SSRs）, sequence-related amplified polymorphisms （SRAPs）, and amplified fragment length polymorphisms （AFLPs）. Population structure analysis revealed two subgroups in the population. The Q model performed better for its ability to re-identify associations for the four traits at highly significant P-values compared to the other three mixed models. And a total of 35 and 25 associations for the four traits in 2010 and 2011 were identified, respectively, with the Q model after Bonferroni correction. Among those associations, only one for OC was re-identified in two environments, and several markers associated simultaneously with multiple traits were discovered. These results suggest the power and stability of the Q model for association analysis of nutritional traits in this sesame panel for its slight population stratification and familial relationship, which could aid in dissecting complex traits, and could help to develop strategies for improving nutritional quality.

Synthesis of sulfonated Sesamum indicum L.seed oil and its application as a fatliquor in leather processing

Fatliquor is an oil-in-water emulsion that improves the physical properties of leather such as tensile strength,flexibility,and softness by lubricating the leather fibres.Sulfonated Sesamum indicum oil was synthesized,characterized,and examined for consideration as a substitute for imported fatliquor in Nigeria.The sulfonation of the oil was confirmed by the significant observations made in the FTIR,1 H NMR,13 C NMR,and 13 C NMR DEPT analysis results.A remarkable difference was observed in the physicochemical properties results of both unsulfonated and sulfonated oils.The sulfonated sesame fatliquor was applied onto goatskin and compared with a commercial sulfated fatliquor in the processing of shoe upper leather using standard methods.The average results for tensile strength,double edge tear,elongation,and softness results for the commercial and synthesized fatliquors are as follows:14.27 N/mm^(2);13.77 N/mm^(2),50.61N;60.11 N,38.06%;54.28%,25.2;25.0.A comparable level of lubrication of the leather treated with the sulfonated Sesamum indicum oil and that treated with the commercial leather fatliquor was revealed by the Sudan IV stain test as well as scanning electron microscopy analysis results.Experimental analyses,therefore,show that the as-synthesized sulfonated Sesamum indicum oil could be considered as a substitute for imported fatliquor in the leather industry.

Physico-mechanical characteristics of bast fibres of Sesamum indicum and Sesamum radiatum for bioprospecting

Natural fibres are renewable,inexpensive and biodegradable sources of sustainable materials from plants or animals.Bast fibres,as the notable natural fibres,are gathered from the outer cell layers of the stem of plant.Mature and young bast fibres from two species of Sesamum,namely Sesamum indicum L.and S.radiatum Schumach.&Thonn.were extracted through traditional water retting technique and analyzed for their physical,mechanical and chemical attributes.Anatomical studies revealed polygon shaped phloem(bast fibre)cells with small lumen were similar to jute,in terms of architecture,and bagasse,in terms of lumen size.Upon extraction and subsequent drying,the young stems of S.radiatum were found to yield more bast fibres by mass compared with the rest of the Sesamum samples,that was,0.59 g(dry weight)of bast fibres from 100 g(fresh weight)of stem.According to stereo microscopic images,the mature S.radiatum fibres had rougher edges than the rest.Both S.indicum and S.radiatum fibre surfaces also seemed to have pores,according to scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images.The porosity appeared to get more pronounced as the plants got older.The Sesamum bast fibres were also found to be extremely hydrophilic with a high-water retention value.The fibres obtained from S.radiatum were determined to be suitable for the textile industry due to their light colour,ideal diameter and length,and water-holding capacity that matched the requirements of fabric manufacturing.Even in the absence of a mordant,the mature fibres showed a significant degree and evenness of Alizarin dye attachment,which might be correlated to the increase in fibre surface roughness with fibre maturity.These fibres were also discovered to be comparable with jute in terms of phloem cell shape(polygonal),diameter(13-15 m),tenacity(12.86-32.54 gf/(g·km-1)),and linear density(2.5-3.3 g/km).It suggested that they might find industrial applications if further research were to be done.

Biological effects of low-energy C ion implantation on sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)

Field cultivation experiments on white sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)seeds implanted with low-energy C ion showed that different dosages of C ion implantation pro-duce different biological effects.Sesame plants in 6 different dosage groups with C ion density respectively at 1×10^(11),1×10^(12),1×10^(15),5×10^(15),1×10^(16),5×10^(16)ion/cm2 were superior to the control group in plant height,leaf number,stalk diameter and leaf size.Further,sesame plants in these groups flower and seed earlier than those in the control group,and single plant yield also increased.Of all the groups,the 5×10^(15)ion/cm2 dosage group yielded the best effect,whereas the 1×10^(17)/cm^(2)dosage group showed an evident inhibitory effect of ion implantation on the germination and growth of the sesame seeds.

Deletion of a 1,049 bp sequence from the 5′UTR upstream of the SiHEC3 gene induces a seed non-shattering mutation in sesame

Sesame is a labor intensive crop with limited mechanized harvesting mainly due to the seed shattering(SS)trait.In this study,we performed a genetic analysis of the seed-shattering resistance(SR)trait with a SR sesame mutant 12M07.Unlike the SS type,the parenchyma cells in the abscission zone of the 12M07 mutant are arranged loosely but adhere to the seed coat.Inheritance analysis of six generations derived from 12M07(SR)×Xiangcheng Dazibai(SS)showed that the SR trait is recessive and controlled by a single gene pair.Association mapping of the F2population with 888,619 variants(single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and insertion-deletion(InDels))and 31,884 structural variations(SVs)determined that only SV12002 in the 5′upstream region of gene Sindi0765000(named SiHEC3)in Chr.3 was significantly associated with the SR trait.SiHEC3 encodes the bHLH transcription factor.A 1,049 bp deletion occurred in the 5′UTR of Sihec3 in 12M07.SiHEC3 is mainly expressed in developing placental tissues,with the expression peaking in capsules at 45 days after pollination.A dual-luciferase reporter assay in tobacco confirmed that the promoter activity of Sihec3 was reduced because of the deletion of the 1,049 bp promoter sequence.Protein–protein interaction network analysis showed that HEC3 is co-expressed with nine key proteins,such as SHATTERPROOF1(SHP1)and SEEDSTICK(STK)which participate in the secondary wall biosynthesis of the abscission layer in plants.The findings of this study show the important function of Sihec3corresponding with the SR trait and supply the genetic information for breeding new varieties that are amenable to mechanized harvesting in sesame and other crops.