An Investigation of Seed Protein Content and Variation in Ten Sesame Varieties (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame is an annual self-pollinated plant with a high seed oil and protein content. It is considered as an oilseed plant for human consumption. For a breeding purpore, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of seed total protein of different sesame varieties (Oltan, Zoodras , Yekta , Hendi , Varamin , Chini , Karaj 1 , Moghan local,Nazok tak sakheh and Nazok chand shakheh) were evaluated. Protein extracts were analysed using Kejeldal and gel electrophoresis methods. Total average of 24.02% was observed for seed protein content of all varieties. Analysis of varieties revealed a significant variation at (p < 0.01) between varieties. The profile of seed storage proteins had a relative mobility from 0.20 to 0.94. The observed bands varied in intensity and scattered in three zones of the gel . All bands were monomorphic and no variation was observed between the varieties. It was concluded that this characteristic does not carry the necessary value for breeding purposes.