Assessment of genetic variability for yield and yield components in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Sesame is an important oilseed crop of India. Assessment of genetic variability in sesame genotypes is a prerequisite for selecting desirable genotypes and traits for breeding efforts to improve yield potential. A set of 55 sesame genotypes were evaluated for 16 quantitative traits contributing for yield and components. Analysis of variance and genetic variability parameters including phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV), heritability (h2) and genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) were estimated and analyzed. ANOVA showed that genotypic effects were significant for 12 out of 16 traits. High PCV and high GCV were observed for traits seed yield per plant, capsules per plant and number of secondary branches per plant. High heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance was observed for number of plant height, capsules per plant and seed yield per plant indicating that these traits would be valuable for improvement of seed yield and its components in sesame. The promising genotypes identified in this study could be used in sesame breeding programmes.