Application of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) for Genetic Diversity, Mapping, and Marker-Assisted Selection.

Sesamum indicum L. is one of the oldest oilseed, cultivated oleaginous species, which is highly valued due to the excellent quality of the oils and owing to its antioxidative effects. Even though it is a major economic crop, there is a historical gap in breeding of sesame compared to the major staple crops, mainly because of a lack of genomic resources. With the emergence of next-generation sequencing methods, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with their noted benefits, compared to older marker systems, such as dense marker coverage, whole-genome coverage, and high-throughput automation capability, have been identified. This chapter outlines elaborate procedures for using SNP markers in the sesame improvement schemes. It describes the use of high-quality DNA extraction, SNP discovery using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and downstream uses, including the determination of high-density linkage maps, genetic diversity, and marker-assisted selection (MAS). Using these protocols, breeders will be able to deconstruct complex traits with ease-such as yield, oil content, and biotic stress, thus speeding up the production of better sesame resilient varieties.