Selection Criteria in M₃ and M₄ Populations of Sesame (Sesamumindicum L.)

Estimation of correlation coefficient and path analysis for eight characters were recorded in two local highly adapted cultivars of sesame viz. SVPR 1 and Cardeboriga were irradiated with five doses of gamma rays viz. 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70Krad. Number of capsules per plant, 1000 seed weight and plant height showed significant and positive genotypic correlation with single plant yield in both M₃ and M₄ generations of two varieties. Among the varieties, Cardeboriga exhibited more association between the different characters with yield andalso inter correlation among the component traits in both the generations. Positive direct effects were observed for number of capsules per plant and 1000 seed weight on single plant yield. It may be concludedthat for direct selection maximum emphasis should be given primarily to number of capsules per plant followed by 1000 seed weight.