Omics technologies towards sesame improvement: a review

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a vital oilseed crop, but low productivity due to stresses hinders global supply.
• Conventional breeding has limitations, and modern biotechnological approaches, particularly omics, are crucial for genetic improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of omics research progress in improving sesame genetic traits.
• To summarize advancements in omics-assisted breeding over the past decade.

Main Methods:

• Review of omics technologies including proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics.
• Analysis of efforts in germplasm development, gene discovery, and molecular marker applications.
• Examination of genetic linkage map construction and web-based functional databases.

Main Results:

• Omics technologies have significantly advanced sesame genetic improvement.
• Progress has been made in enhancing seed composition, yield, and resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses.
• Development of functional databases and germplasm resources aids in gene discovery.

Conclusions:

• Omics research has accelerated sesame genetic improvement, addressing key agricultural challenges.
• Future directions emphasize continued integration of omics for enhanced sesame breeding.
• Omics-assisted breeding is pivotal for meeting global demand for sesame products.