Abstract: 【Objective】To analyze phenotypic traits and the genetic diversity characteristics of local sesame germplasm resources in Jiangxi Province,so as to provide theoretical basis for effective utilization of local sesame germplasm in Jiangxi Province.【Method】With support from the Third National Campaign of Crop Germplasm Census and Collection,132 local sesame germplasms from 39 counties in Jiangxi Province were collected,which were used as test materials.Twenty-three phenotypic traits(12 quality traits and 11 quantitative traits)were determined and genetic diversity index and coefficient of variation were computed. At the same time,the 11 quantitative traits were analyzed and cluster analysis were performed.【Result】The results showed that among 23 phenotypic traits,the genetic diversity index of 12 quality traits ranged from 0.3217 to 1.0307,with an average of 0.7290. Meanwhile,the genetic diversity index of 11 quantitative traitsranged from 1.6138 to 2.0627,with an average of 1.8855. Among the three seed color types of sesame germplasm,46 white sesame germplasm had the highest average genetic diversity index of phenotypic traits,which was 1.3602,74black sesame germplasm and 12 other seed color(yellow,brown,yellow-brown,red-brown,etc.)sesame germplasm.The average genetic diversity indexes of phenotypic traits were 1.1782 and 1.0476. Correlation analysis showed that the growth period was significantly positively correlated with plant height,first capsule height,mean capsule length,1000-seed weight and protein content(P<0.01,the same below),but it was extremely significantly negatively correlated with oil content. 132 sesame germplasm resources could be divided into four groups,and different origins of germplasms were distributed interlaced.Group I could be used as a potential parent material for breeding new sesame varieties with high oil content,group II could be used as a potential high yield and excellent sesame material,group III could be used as a potential dwarf plant type parent material,and group IV could be used as a potential high protein type parent material.【Conclusion】Phenotypic variation of the main phenotypic traits of Jiangxi sesame germplasms is large. Genetic diversity of the germplasms is high,especially for 46 white sesame germplasms. The genetic relationship between germplasms is not necessarily related to the origins. In the breeding with high yield and high protein as the goal,the plant height can be biased.When aiming to breed high production and high protein content,the materials with higher first capsule height,larger mean capsule and higher thousand-seed weight should be chosen as the parents,and the offspring should be selected according to obtain excellent germplasm.