Genetic Variability Studies in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

ABSTRACT

The evaluation of phenotypic variability, heritability and genetic advance in germplasm collections is important for both plant breeders and germplasm curators to optimize the use of the variability available. A total of 50 sesame accessions were used in this research work. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among genotypes for all the nine characters studied. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant. High heritability was recorded for days to maturity, days to 50% flowering, seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was recorded for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant indicating that these characters are controlled by additive gene effect and phenotypic selection of these characters would be effective for further breeding purpose.