Genetic divergence in rabi sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Multivariate analysis of divergence among 40 genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) for 13 quantitative characters revealed considerable genetic diversity in the material and led to their grouping into 14 clusters. No relationship between geographic origin and genetic diversity was observed. Seed oil content contributed maximum, accounting for 44.9% of the total divergence. For varietal improvement programme in rabi season, strains like Uma of cluster VIII, TY 66 of cluster XIV, and TY 35 of cluster XIII were important on the basis of their genetic distances and higher cluster means.