Deciphering the Genetic Variability for Seed Yield Components in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The present study conducted an analysis of genetic variability for components traits of seed yield in 20 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes at the Research Farm of S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. The experiment followed a randomized block design with three replications during kharif, 2018. The main objective of this study was to assess the genetic variability among the genotypes. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant genotypic variation for all traits, indicating their potential for breeding programs. In the present study, RT - 384, RMT - 447 and RMT - 486 were identified as high yielding genotypes with per plant seed yield of 6.75, 6.7 and 6.01 g, respectively. Among the traits studied, plant height exhibited the highest variability with range of 83.13 to 108.40 cm, while test weight had the least variability having range of 3.00 - 3.51 g. Furthermore, phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the traits, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on them. Among them, seed yield per plant had maximum value of GCV and PCV with magnitude of 20.32 and 24.07%, respectively; while, days to maturity had minimum value of GCV and PCV i.e., 2.07 and 3.15%, respectively. Notably, traits such as capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant exhibited high heritability with magnitude of 85.96%, 64.18%, 63.68%, and 71.33%, respectively. Additionally, these traits displayed substantial genetic gains, with magnitudes of 33.46%, 21.29%, 26.19%, and 35.35%, respectively. This makes them promising for selection and eventually; these traits can be efficiently explored in different breeding programs for genetic improvement of sesame.