Analysis of genetic diversity in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) advanced breeding lines and varieties collected from major breeding centers in India

Genetic diversity study was carried out among 41 sesame genotypes using seed yield and its component characters. Based on the present investigation the 41sesame genotypes were grouped into seven clusters suggesting that considerable amount of genetic diversity present across genotypes. The maximum diversity was contributed by capsules per plant followed by number of branches per plant, plant height and days to maturity. Cluster II was the largest one comprising of 17 genotypes followed by cluster I with 12 genotypes, cluster IV with five genotypes, cluster III with four genotypes, cluster V,VI, and VII, were represented by each single genotype indicating high degree of heterogeneity among the genotypes.The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between IV and VI clusters followed by clusters IV and V and clusters VI and VII while it was low between clusters V and VI, followed by clusters I and V, clusters II and VII. Maximum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster VI, followed by cluster IV, cluster III, cluster II and cluster I. The inter cluster distance in most of the cases were higher than the intra-cluster distance indicating wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. Four characters viz., capsules per plant, followed by number of branches, plant height and days to maturity contributed more than 90% towards genetic divergence. Hence, these four characters are very important for selection indices.