Trait association and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield attributing traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Correlation and path coefficient analysis was performed in one hundred and twenty F4 families of sesame, during kharif, 2010 on ten quantitative traits: days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, distance from ground to first capsule, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant. Seed yield per plant showed significant positive association with number of capsules, number of seeds, number of branches per plant, plant height and 1000 seed weight. The magnitude of correlation was the highest in case of number of capsules per plant(r=0.7302). Number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and 1000 seed weight had high and positive direct effect on seed yield. The indirect effect of number of capsules per plant via days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant on seed yield was high and positive. Selection for these characters may be useful in increasing seed yield in sesame.