The variation of the characteristics of collection samples of sesame

Sesame is a valuable oil crop containing more than 60 % oil and natural antioxidants that prevent oxidation. The oil is widely used in various industries. The collection of sesame contains more than 1500 samples of various ecological and geographical origins. Preservation and reproduction of the collection is an urgent task. 136 collection samples in the period of 2015-2018 in the conditions of the Rostov region on the main economically valuable signs were studied. Differences in the vegetation period, plant height, oil content, yield and weight of 1000 seeds were noted. It was found that the reduction of the growing season is due to the reduction of the germination phase-the beginning of flowering. The most favorable conditions of the growing season of sesame was in 2016, 2017 crop yield varied from 2,0-8,5 t/ha. The vegetation period in different years ranged from 90 to 165 days. Plant height was in the range of 70-140 cm, seed oil content differed depending on the genotype and the year conditions from 51 to 63.5 %. The 26 samples selected for earliness, oil content 32, 7 yields, 10 in the mass of 1000 seeds, and 12 for complex traits. The greatest variation on the basis of yield and the lowest variability in oil content are shown. More than 400 best genotypes were selected and their productivity and resistance to Fusarium were evaluated. A wide range of variation in seed weight is shown. Weather and climatic conditions of the southern zone of the Rostov region are favorable for the cultivation of early and medium forms of sesame.