Segregation of genes controlling seed colour in sesame (Sesamum indicum linn.) from Nigeria

Genetic analysis of seed colour was carried out on crosses involving nine accessions of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) from Nigeria. Inheritance studies showed that different gene actions were responsible for the expression of this important character. In three of the crosses, single gene action was observed, while in two others, the trait was under the control of two genes. In the sixth cross, involving white and black parents, an array of white, black, brownish white and brown colours were observed in the F-2. The variation in gene systems controlling seed colour expression observed in this study revealed the complex nature of the expression of this trait. Results also indicated that plants with the same seed colour might be under different genotype constitution.