Influence of segregating generations on character association in sesame

Analysis of character association in the F₃ and F₄ generations of three sesame crosses revealed differences in mean and variance for maturity duration, primary branches, productive capsules and seed yield. The association between seed yield and number of capsules was highly positive and consistent over generations in all the crosses. Similarly, the positive association of primary branches with seed yield, numberof capsules and days to maturity was also consistent over generations in all the three crosses. The association of seed yield with oil content which was generally nonsignificant indicated that selection cannot be practiced for oil improvement in segregating generations. Further, character pairs showing medium to moderate associations showed high degree of fluctuation in the correlation coefficients.