Sesame, an important traditional oil crop, is known as the queen of oilcrops for its high oil content and quality. China has rich sesame germplasm resources. In-depth study, evaluation and utilization of various sesame germplasm resources is of vital importance to protect its genetic diversity, to broaden the genetic basis and to improve sesame yield and quality. This paper reviewed the latest progresses of sesame germplasm research, such as germplasm collection, conservation and utilization, variety breeding, molecular genetics and functional genomics. We hope this paper can promote sesame genetic and application study .