Assessment of genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A total of 33 sesame genotypes including three checks were grown in Randomized Block Design in three replications for evaluation of yield and yield attributing traits. Data was recorded for different yield attributing traits from all the genotypes viz., days to 50 % flowering, number of productive branches, plant height, height of 1st capsule bearing node, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, capsule length, inter-node length, days to maturity, 1000-grain weight, per cent of oil and yield. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was larger for seed yield, number of productive branch and inter-node length. Genetic advance as per cent of mean for seed yield, numbers of productive branches, height of 1st node from ground and internode length were higher in sesame genotypes. Correlation exhibited significant and high positive for number of productive branches, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and days to maturity with seed yield. Path analysis indicated that the traits such as number of productive branches, number of capsules per plant, days to maturity, number of seeds per capsule had high positive direct effect on seed yield. These traits are to be given due importance in the selection process of sesame breeding programme.