• Ibrahim, R
  Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  




• Kana, H. A.
  Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  




• Ogah, G. O.
  Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  




• Ugbedeojo, A. M.
  Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a vital oilseed crop prized for its high-quality vegetable oil and nutritional value. A field trial was conducted at the Experimental Plot of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria, to evaluate growth, yield, physiological, and physicochemical variability among seven improved sesame genotypes (NCRIBEN 06E, LFF 02, NE 01, IFF 01, NCRIBEN 04E, DM 01, and NCRIBEN 02M) arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Results revealed significant (P < .05) variability among genotypes for plant height (35.33–68.27 cm), pod length (1.70–2.70 cm), days to 50% flowering (37.73–59.37 days), days to 50% podding (45.00–67.57 days), and 100-seed weight (0.1943–0.3487 g). Genotype NCRIBEN 02M produced the tallest plants and longest pods alongside NCRIBEN 04E, while NCRIBEN 06E exhibited early flowering, early podding, and superior seed weight. Chlorophyll content (31.30–49.10 SPAD units) and leaf area potential (131.97– 191.67 cm²) also varied significantly, with NE 01 recording peak values. Physicochemical profiling of seed oil demonstrated significant variations in acid value (0.11–1.48 mg KOH/g), free fatty acid (0.09–117.40 mg KOH/g), saponification value (78.54–358.19 mg KOH/g), and iodine value (100.11–107.32 g I2/100g oil). Genotypes NCRIBEN 06E and LFF 02 were identified as superior candidates for yield optimization and early maturity, while DM 01 and NCRIBEN 06E exhibited outstanding lipid stability. This genetic diversity offers valuable potential for sesame breeding and commercial exploitation.