Halil, New Sesame Cultivar, Tolerant to Wilt Disease and Water Stress for Warm and Dry Regions of Iran

One of the important problems of sesame cultivation is the usage of local varieties and new cultivars shortage. Tolerant to wilt disease and grain shattering, adaptability to warm and arid climate and high yield are the most important purposes of sesame breeding. Accordingly, the breeding program to select and release of the Halil cultivar, began by selection of single plants from sesame native populations from south of Kerman province. In 1999, the selective single plants were evaluated based on breeding purposes and among them 54 single plant (lines) were selected. The selected lines were evaluated and purified during 2000 and 2001 years. The results showed that 21 lines had significant difference with controls (Darab14 and local variety), which these lines were selected for final yield trials. The final yield trials conducted during 2002 and 2003 and the results revealed that JL16, JL2, JL13 and JL1 lines were superior than control (Darab14) by producing 1771, 1729, 1534 and 1466 kg/ha, respectively. Then, in comparison of different genotype yield in drought and non- drought stress in Jiroft, Dezful and Karaj regions during two years, the JL13 line had significant difference in non- drought stress condition compared to other studied genotypes such as Darab14. In assessing the relative resistance of sesame genotypes to Fusarium wilt disease in terms of micro-plots with artificially infected and naturally infected farm, the JL13 line was identified as tolerant genotypes. Finally, JL13 line as the top line was selected for the on-farm trial. JL13 line in the on-farm trial by 1520 kg/ha yield, showed a 24% increase in yield, compared to the local variety. The JL13 line released and approved under the name of "Halil" in 2014. Halil variety recommended for warm and dry regions of south of the country, Iran.