Identification of cytoplasm-induced male sterility in sesame through wide hybridization

Wide hybridization was carried out in direct and reciprocal directions to identify cytoplasm-based male sterile sources in sesame. Among the seven different interspecific hybrids produced and analysed, reciprocal difference for male sterility was observed in a cross involving Sesamum indicum and S. malabaricum alone. Cytological investigation revealed that the cause of sterility was cytoplasmic differences rather than chromosomal abnormalities. This is indicative of interaction of the cytoplasm of S. malabaricum with the nuclear genome of S. indicum leading to male sterility. The evidence for cytoplasmic male sterility in sesame is reported for the first time and its utility in hybrid seed development is discussed.