Association and Path Analysis of Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out for yield and yield attributing traits in 60 genotypes of sesame during 2018. The genotypic correlation coefficients were found to be of relatively higher magnitude than phenotypic correlation coefficient, indicating strong inherent correlation between traits. The seed yield/plant exhibited positive and significant correlation with days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that, days to flower initiation and number of capsules per plant exhibited highest direct effect on seed yield per plant. This suggests that selection for this component characters can help in improvement of seed yield in sesame.