Genetic analysis of the hybrids, involving monostem / shy branching genotypes in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

An experiment was conducted with thirty hybrids produced by line x tester mating design from eleven sesamegenotypes involving five branched and six monostem / shy branching types. Observations were recorded ondays to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules perplant, capsule length, capsule breadth, number of seeds per plant, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plant and oilcontent. The traits, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant showedhigh PCV and GCV estimates. There is enough scope for selection based on these characters, and the diversegenotypes can provide materials for a sound breeding programme. High heritability combined with high geneticadvance (as per cent of mean) observed for plant height, number of branches, number of capsules and seedyield per plant showed that these characters were controlled by additive gene effects and phenotypic selectionfor these characters would likely to be effective. The characters, plant height, number of branches per plant,number of capsules per plant, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and 100 seed weight showedsignificantly positive correlation with seed yield per plant. The trait capsule breadth showed significantlynegative association with seed yield per plant.