This book is the first comprehensive compilation of deliberations on whole genome sequencing of sesame including genome assembly, annotation, structure and synteny analysis, and sequencing of its chloroplast genome and also its wild species. It presents narratives on classical genetics and breeding, tissue culture and genetic transformation, molecular mapping and breeding. Other chapters describe the beneficial components in sesame protein and oil, botanical depictions and cytological features. Prospects of designed breeding in the post-genomics era including gene discovery have also been enumerated.

Altogether, the book contains 19 chapters authored by globally reputed experts on the relevant field in this crop. This book is useful to the students, teachers, and scientists in the academia and relevant private companies interested in classical and molecular genetics, biotechnology, breeding, biochemistry, traditional and molecular breeding, and structural and evolutionary genomics. The work is also useful to seed and oil industries.

Economic and Academic Importance.- Botanical descriptions.- Oil composition and nutrition.- Genetic Resources.- Classical Genetics.- Germplasm creation and breeding.- Genetic Inkage maps, mapping of genes and QTLs.- Cytological details of genome.- Structural & functional genomic resources developed.- Requirement of whole-genome sequencing.- Background history of the national and international genome initiatives, public and private partners involved.- Strategies & tools for sequencing.- Enumeration of sequences.- Assembly.- Repetitive sequences.- Gene annotation.- Genome duplication.- Synteny with allied & model genomes.- Comparison of gene families.- Impact on germplasm characterization & gene discovery.- Impact on plant breeding.- Future Prospects.