Heterosis, combining ability and gene action in inter-mutant hybrids of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Diallel analysis in sesame using ten mutant lines was carried out to study heterosis, combining ability and gene action in inter-mutant hybrids. Quantitative traits viz, plant height, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, oil content and seed yield per plant were considered. General and Specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) showed major contribution for non-additive gene action for all characters, except for days to maturity. Mutant lines viz, Mutants 274, 699, 353 and 450 were best combiners for seed yield. Highest heterosis was recorded in the crosses Mutant 9 x 699, 181 x 699 and 51 x 699, which have been identified as best hybrids.