Combining ability and nature of gene action in sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.)

Combining ability and nature of gene action involved in the inheritance of seed yield and its components in sesamum were analyzed in F₁ of a half diallel cross among 12 elite varieties of diverse origin. Varieties VRI-l and GT-10 were good general combiner for capsules/plant, Kalika and HT-1, for seeds/capsule, AKT-64 and Pragati, for 1000-seed weight and Uma, GT-10, Akt-64 and Kalika were good combiner for seed yield. Gene action was largely additive for primary branches and predominantly additive for plant height and 1000-seed weight. Both additive and non-additive gene action were equally important for days to maturity and seeds/capsule. Additive gene action played a greater role in case of capsules/plant, while non-additive gene action played a greater role in inheritance of seed yield.