Evaluation of hybrids for heterosis breeding in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The 8x8 half-diallel sesame hybrids were evaluated for their performance of yield and component traits. Average heterosis was the highest for primary branches followed by seed yield, biological yield and plant height. Substantial amount of, better parent and standard parent heterosis was observed for majority of the characters studied. The hybrids RT 54 x ABT 33, AT 158 x ABT 33, AT 158 x AT192 , AT 192 x G.Til 1and AT 158 x AT 177 were the best heterotic hybrids and recorded 70.43, 62.61, 61.74, 53.04 and 48.70 per cent standard heterosis, respectively for yield over the standard check ???. They also showed significant standard or better or mid parent heterosis for component traits; early maturity, capsule length, seeds per capsule and biological yield in desirable direction. The AT 158 x ABT 33, AT 192 x G.Til 1 and AT 158 x AT 177 with higher standard heterosis for yield offered greater scope for exploitation of the hybrid vigour on commercial scale.