Multivariate Analysis of some Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)Accessions based on Quantitative Characteristics

To estimate phenotypic variation among 43 sesame accessions the present experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and morphological data on days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, petiole length, number of nodes to first flower, plant height at flowering, plant height at maturity, number of days to maturity, length of capsule, seed weight of capsule,1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant were measured. Positive correlation was observed for number of nodes to first flower, plant height at flowering, plant height at maturity, seed weight per capsule and 1000-seed weight with seed yield per plant. Four principal components were identified which accounted for 80.92% of the total variation. All the accessions grouped into five clusters while accessions included in cluster 3 mainly comprised with early flowering, shorter petiole, early maturing and higher seed yield per plant. The results have an important suggestion for morphological categorization and enhancement of sesame breeding program