Abstract:
The paper describes the rationale and progress of sesame breeding work in Uganda from 1991 to 2000. The
work done has been to: (a) increase genetic variability to improve on the yield in sesame by (i) intercrossing
of a wide range of cultivars from various germplasm pools, (ii) purifying local adaptable cultivars through
pure-line selection method; (b) test new introductions and select better lines out of them and; (c) evaluate
promising introductions and local cultivars on-station and other agro-ccological zones for adaptability and
yield performance. Two promising varieties EM-14 and EM-15-3-4 were released in year 2000 as Sesim 1
and Sesim 2, respectively. Better introduced cultivars have also been selected cither for direct production or
for crossing with the local cultivars and also within the exotics with diverse origin