Archives of Current Research International

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. sesami, is one of the major diseases limiting sesame productivity by causing severe yield losses under field conditions. Understanding the genetic basis of resistance is essential for developing wilt-resistant sesame cultivars through effective breeding strategies. The present investigation was undertaken to study the inheritance pattern of Fusarium wilt resistance in sesame using resistant and susceptible parental genotypes. A Fusarium wilt-resistant genotype, Arupukottai local, was crossed with two susceptible genotypes, VRI-5 and Karaikudi local, to generate segregating populations. The F₂ populations derived from the crosses VRI-5 × Arupukottai local and VRI-5 × Karaikudi local, along with their respective parents, were evaluated for Fusarium wilt resistance under natural epiphytotic field conditions. To ensure uniform disease pressure, infector rows of the highly susceptible sesame variety SP 1 were planted throughout the experimental field. Individual plants in the segregating generations were carefully screened and classified based on disease reaction using a standardized wilt scoring scale. The segregation pattern observed in the F₂ generation of both crosses revealed a clear distinction between resistant and susceptible plants. Chi-square (χ²) analysis demonstrated a good fit to the expected Mendelian segregation ratio of 3 susceptible: 1 resistant plants. The observed inheritance pattern indicated that resistance to Fusarium wilt in sesame is governed by a single recessive gene. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the genetic control of Fusarium wilt resistance and highlight the potential utility of the resistant genotype Arupukottai local in sesame breeding programmes aimed at developing durable wilt-resistant cultivars. The identification of monogenic recessive inheritance further facilitates the selection and stabilization of resistant lines in future breeding efforts.