Studies on genetic variability in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

A study was carried out using 45 genotypes of sesame to evaluate the genetic variability parameters at SeedResearch and Technology Centre, Hyderabad during late kharif, 2017. Analysis of variance indicated the presence of highly significant differences among the genotypes for the traits under consideration. The genotype, Julang Sesame and NI8-8316 recorded the highest seed yield per plant. Seed yield per plant recorded the highest GCV and PCV followed by 1000-seed weight and number of seeds per capsule. Days to 50% flowering and capsule length showed comparativelylower GCV and PCV values. High heritability coupled with high estimates of genetic advance as per cent of mean was exhibited by 1000-seed weight followed by number of seeds per capsule, number of branches per plant and number of capsules per plant, suggesting a simple selection may reward their improvement. On the other hand, traits such as days to 50% flowering, plant height and capsule length recorded high values of heritability and moderate values of genetic advance as per cent of mean suggesting their governance by non- additive gene action.