Genetic parameters of variability and character association studies for yield and some capsule shattering traits in sesame germplasm

Abstract

Forty five genotypes of sesame were evaluated to have an idea about their performance and to study the correlation basing on yield and yield related characters including capsule shattering related traits. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among the genotypes with respect to all the characters indicating wide variability. High magnitude of PCV and GCV was recorded for branch number per plant, capsule number per plant, seed weight per capsule, capsule split before and after 4drying, capsule opening before and after drying as well as seed yield per plant. This indicated relatively higher contribution of these characters towards genetic variability. High estimates of heritability were recorded for all characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for all the characters except days to maturity, plant height and capsule length. Seed yield showed a highly significant and positive correlation with capsule number per plant and plant height. Low to medium capsule split and opening along with medium capsule constriction is a desirable capsule character for developing semi shattering semi shattering sesame genotypes by recombination breeding.