Genetic estimates and diversity study in Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)

Genetic estimates and diversity of 33 genotypes sesame representing different eco-geographical regions were studied for number of morphological characters. Wide variation in plant habit (plant height and branching pattern), number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, mean seed weight, and yield per plant was recorded. The estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were less than its corresponding estimates of PCV for seed yield and yield component, exhibiting consistency in environmental interaction for character expression. Capsule per plant exhibited high heritability coupled with good genetic advance indicating that additive genetic effect was more prevalent in this trait. Correlation study at phenotypic level showed that seed yield per plant was significantly and positive associated with plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsule per plant and capsule length. So selection for high no of capsule per plant, capsule length and no of branches per plant will lead towards high yield. The genotypes were further grouped through multivariate analysis based on 8 traits. The genotypes constituted three major clusters. Origin of genotypes did not play a significant role in constitution of clusters. Selection of parents based on parents belonging to different cluster would like to produce more desirable segregants.