Unveiling the Sesame Germplasm- A Study of Genetic Variability for Yield (Sesamum indicum. L)

Abstract

Present study explores the genetic variability for yield (Sesamum indicum. L). The presence of variation is vital for the success of any crop improvement program. Understanding genetic parameters such as variability, heritability, and genetic advance is essential for enhancing crop breeding efforts. Ninety six sesame genotypes were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) at ICAR- IIOR, Narkhoda farm, to determine the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for nine traits. Analysis of variance showed that significant variation was present in the genotypes studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was found to be higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. High GCV and PCV levels were recorded for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and plant height. Heritability was high for seed yield per plant, 1000 seed weight, number of seeds per capsule, number of capsules per plant, plant height, days to maturity and oil content. GA (% mean) was high for all the traits except days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for seed yield per plant, 1000 seed weight, number of seeds per capsule, number of capsules per plant, plant height and oil content.