Variation and character association in seed yield and related traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn.)

Abstract

An evaluation of fifty five genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn.) for seed yield and related characters in randomized block design revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for days to flowering, plant height, capsule bearing length, capsule per plant, capsule length, capsule girth, seeds per capsule, seeds per capsule, test weight, seed yield per plant, days to maturity and oil content. Genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than the respective phenotypic correlation coefficients for all the characters. Broad sense heritability ranged from 10.20% (branches per plant) to 97.10% (days to flowering), confirming that genotypic variance has contributed substantially to the total variance. The association and path coefficient analysis revealed that capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, oil content and plant height were the important characters and may be selected to increase the seed yield ability. Based on means, considering together for various characters the genotype ES-111 was found to be superior for seed yield per plant, capsules per plant, capsule length, capsule girth, seeds per capsule and oil content; RT-127 for early flowering, plant height, capsule bearing length, branches per plant, capsules per plant, seed yield per plant and oil content; RT-244 for seed yield per plant, plant height, branches per plant, capsules per plant, capsule length and oil content; RT-46 for seed yield per plant, plant height, capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, test weight and oil content; AHT-37 for earliness, capsule bearing length, capsule length, capsule girth, test weight oil content and seed yield per plant. Therefore, these genotypes should be utilized in further breeding programme for developing superior varieties.