The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic diversity in Sesame indicum (L.). RAPD technique was carried out in a set of 10 sesame germplasm collected from different regions of Sudan. A total of 64 polymorphisms (6.4 polymorphic markers per primer) out of 75 reproducible products (7.5 fragments per primer) were obtained from the 10 primers used. The number of bands per primer ranged from 4 to 13, whereas the number of polymorphic bands ranged from 3 to 12, corresponding to 66.6% of the amplification products. Low level of genetic similarity was observed in the collected accessions. Unique bands were observed with the 10 primers. UPGMA clustering resulted in two major groups.

Key words: Sesamum indicum, population genetics, conservation, genetic diversity, RAPD.