Genetic variability studies for yield and yield components in sesame (Sesamumindicum L.)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the oldest oilseed crops and is widely cultivated in India and Worldwide. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the sesame genotypes using 18 traits to elucidate the information on the amount of variability on yield and with yield attributing traits. Based on the variability parameters such as ANOVA (Analysis of variance), Phenotypic and Genotypic Coefficient of Variations (PCV, GCV) the selected yield contributing traits were number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, oil content and single plant yield. Heritability studies revealed that all the traits except capsule width and single plant yield showed high heritability, indicating heritability was mostly due to additive gene action. Genetic advance as per cent of mean was high for all the traits except plant height, capsule width and single plant yield. Based on the study, heritability was mostly due to additive gene action. Selection for highly hertitable and high genetic advance as per cent of mean traits may be effective for the improvement of sesame.