Genetic Variation In Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes Under Foothill Condition Of Nagaland

Abstract

A total of 16 genotypes of sesame were evaluated at SASRD, Medziphema during kharif season of 2018 in randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied, indicating high degree of variability in the material. High GCV and PCV were recorded for number of branches per plant, stem height from base to first branch, days to 50% flowering, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant indicating influence of environment on their expression. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for days to 50 % flowering, 50 % flowering to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per capsule and harvest index indicating the influence of additive gene action, as such simple selection would be effective for improvement of these traits. Correlation studies indicate that plant height shows positive and significant association with seed yield per plant indicating relative utility of this trait. The path analysis revealed that the plant height contributed positive direct effect on yield per plant and also exhibited significant positive correlation with seed yield per plant. Thus it suggests that while selection, emphasis should be given on plant height for improvement of yield.