Genetic diversity studies in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during Kharif 2024 to assess genetic diversity and identify promising parents for future breeding programs. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop. Evaluating genetic diversity within sesame genotypes is essential for advancing breeding programs and enhancing genetic improvement efforts. In the present investigation, genetic divergence among 34 sesame genotypes was examined using Mahalanobis D² statistics, canonical analysis, and cluster analysis. The analysis of variance indicated that the genotypes differed significantly for all the traits under investigation. Results from canonical root analysis showed that the first four vectors together explained 82.70% of the total variability. Vector I exhibited high positive loadings for number of capsules per plant and Vector II for harvest index and number of seeds per capsule, while Vector III was primarily associated with 1000 seed weight. Cluster IV recorded the highest mean value for oil content. Among the studied traits, number of capsules per plant emerged as the major contributor to genetic divergence, followed by 1000 seed weight, harvest index and oil content. Based on cluster analysis, the 34 genotypes were grouped into five distinct clusters. The largest number of genotypes was grouped into Cluster IV accounting for 13 genotypes, followed by Cluster I with 8 genotypes and Clusters II and III each containing 6 genotypes, while Cluster V contain only one genotype. Thus, hybridization between EC 377268 x IC 127264 and EC 377268 x IC 204972 may generate heterotic recombinants that are valuable for sesame improvement.