Relationship of F₂ segregation pattern with genetic divergence of parents in sesame

Twenty nine varieties of sesame collected from 11 states of India were evaluated in rabi season. Based on D² and canonical analysis, the varieties were grouped into nine clusters. The pattern of clustering did not show any relationship with geographic origin. In a study of pattern of F₂ segregation in 25 crosses involving 10 parents distributed in six dusters, eightcrosses showed highbreeding potential. The parents involved in these eightpotential crosses had moderate genetic divergence.