Estimation of Trait Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Contributing Characters in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a valuable oilseed crop, and effective improvement of seed yield requires an understanding of the relationships among yield-contributing traits. This study assessed genotypic and phenotypic correlations and path coefficients for seed yield and nine contributing traits in 30 sesame genotypes. The experiment was conducted under irrigated conditions at the College of Agriculture, Latur, during summer 2025–26 using a randomised block design with two replications. Data were recorded for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, oil content, and seed yield per plant. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes for all ten traits. Seed yield per plant showed significant positive correlations with 1000-seed weight, number of seeds per capsule, number of capsules per plant, and plant height at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis showed that 1000-seed weight had the largest positive direct effect on seed yield, followed by number of seeds per capsule and number of capsules per plant. Plant height contributed mainly through indirect effects involving these yield components. The findings indicate that 1000-seed weight, number of seeds per capsule, and number of capsules per plant may serve as useful selection criteria for improving seed yield in the evaluated germplasm. Validation across seasons and environments is required before these traits are adopted as stable breeding criteria.