Genetic divergence for yield and quality traits in sesame: Implications for parental selection

Genetic diversity among parental genotypes is a key determinant of success in any crop improvement programme. In the present study, hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to assess genetic divergence among 104 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes based on yield and yield attributing traits. The genotypes were grouped into nine distinct clusters, irrespective of their geographical origin, indicating the absence of association between genetic divergence and geographical distribution. The maximum inter-cluster distance (6.46) was observed between clusters V and VI, followed by 6.37 (IV–V), 6.09 (II–IX), 5.65 (II–VIII), and 5.22 (II–VII), indicating substantial genetic diversity among these clusters. Cluster IX recorded the highest mean seed yield per plant (15.41 g), whereas Cluster V exhibited the highest oil content (49.44 %). Based on the large inter-cluster distances, crosses involving parents from highly divergent clusters, particularly V × VI, IV × V, II × IX, II × VIII, and II × VII, are expected to generate superior recombinants and transgressive segregants for yield, earliness, and oil-related traits. The progenies derived from these crosses may be effectively utilized in future breeding programmes for the development of high-yielding, nutritionally rich, and climateresilient sesame varieties.