Genetic variability studies for quantitative traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Thirty one germplasm lines of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean for seventeen quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed, significant differences for all characters except days to flower initiation. Characters viz., seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of capsules on main stem and plant height for first capsule, had high GCV and PCV values and hence improvement through selection could be possible. High GCV, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for seed yield per plant, number of capsules on main stem, number of capsules per plant, number of nodes on main stem and plant height for first capsule indicating that selection could be effective for improvement of these characters.