The Sesame Genome Working Group (SGWG) has been formed to sequence and assemble the sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genome. The status of this project and our planned analyses are described.

Background: The plant trihelix gene family is among the earliest discovered transcription factor families, and it is vital in modulating light, plant growth, and stress responses. Methods: The identification and characterization of trihelix family members in the sesame genome were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and the expression patterns of sesame trihelix genes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: There were 34 trihelix genes discovered in the genome of sesame, which were irregularly distributed among 10 linkage groups. Also, the genome contained 5 duplicate gene pairs. The 34 trihelix genes were divided into six sub-families through a phylogenetic study. A tissue-specific expression revealed that SiTH genes exhibited spatial expression patterns distinct from other trihelix genes in the same subfamily. The cis-element showed that the SiTHs gene promoter contained various elements associated with responses to hormones and multiple abiotic stresses. Additionally, the expression patterns of 8 SiTH genes in leaves under abiotic stresses demonstrated that all selected genes were significantly upregulated or downregulated at least once in the stress period. Furthermore, the SiTH4 gene was significantly induced in response to drought and salt stress, showing that SiTH genes may be engaged in the stress response mechanisms of sesame. Conclusion: These findings establish a foundation for further investigation of the trihelix gene-mediated response to abiotic stress in sesame.

A deeper root system can improve the efficiency of water and nutrient absorption from soil; therefore, genetic improvements to the root length of crops are essential for yield stability under drought stress. We previously identified a stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) qRLP12 for root length under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress in a Jinhuangma (JHM, sensitive)/Zhushanbai (ZSB, tolerant) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. To validate and fine map this QTL, in this study, a secondary F₂ population was constructed, and the genetic effect of the target QTL was validated by comparing the phenotype data of different genotypes. Using newly developed markers, 14 genotypes of recombinant F₂ individuals were obtained. A phenotypic analysis of homozygous recombinant progeny lines narrowed qRLP12 to a 91 kb region. Seven putative predicted genes were identified in the target region, among which LOC105165547, a callose synthase gene, was the only one containing nonsynonymous variations in the coding region between two parents. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that LOC105165547 was significantly induced by PEG stress in the qRLP12+ line. These indicated that LOC105165547 might be the candidate gene for qRLP12, which is responsible for root length subjected to PEG stress. Our results provide a favored gene resource for improving root length under drought stress in sesame.