Combining ability studies in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) for seed yield and its contributing traits

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Heterosis and combining ability studies in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)” were undertaken with the objective to study the heterosis and to estimate general and specific combining ability effects. Among the parents, TBS-05 and TBS-10 were found good general combiner for seed yield per plant. Considering both per se and GCA effect the parents TBS-05 and TBS-10 were found to be best. The highest SCA effect for seed yield per plant was exhibited by cross R-20 x V-13 along with superior SCA effect for six traits like day to maturity, plant height, number of capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, capsule length and oil content. The character test weight had fixable additive genetic variance which can improve by simple selection. The crosses V-13 x TBS-07 and V-13 x TBS-05 with significant SCA effects for seed yield per plant. Better segregants can be obtained from such hybrid combination for seed yield and yield contributing traits.