Heterosis for yield and yield components in sesame (Sesamum indicum L. )

Heterosis for days to flowering,days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule,chlorophyll content,oil per cent,protein per cent and single plant yield were evaluated in 36 crosses derived from a 9 x 9 diallel mating design in sesame. Heterosis was worked out over midparent and better parent.Combinations Priya X Vianyak, PBTil-1 X TMV-6 and TC-25 X Vinayak showed a highly significant relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis for single plant yield and some of its yield components and hence could be exploited for developing superior varieties.