Genetic Variability for Yield and Yield Components in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The experiments were conducted at the research fields of the National Cereals Research Institute located at Badeggi, Mokwa and Yandev under rain fed conditions in 2013 planting season to estimate combined ANOVA, phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability in broad sense, genetic advance as percentage of the mean, correlations and principal components analysis for yield and yield attributes in thirteen sesame genotypes. Randomized complete block designs with three replications were used in each location. Combined analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes (G), locations (L), and genotype by locations interaction (GxL) for days to 50 % flowering, height at flowering, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain were exhibited for number of capsules per plant, number of branches per plant, and yield per hectare indicate the additive nature of inheritance. Significant positive correlations between yield per hectare and other yield attributes were exhibited except for days to 50 % flowering (r = -0.3160**) and height at flowering (r = -0.5250**). The first three PCs gave Eigen-values greater than 1.0 and cumulative variation accounted for 73.86 %. PC1, PC2 and PC3 accounted for 33.15 %, 27.02 % and 13.69 % respectively. The variation in PC1 was mainly associated with height at maturity, capsule length and weight of seed per capsules. PC2 was associated with yield per hectare, number of capsule per plant and number of branches per plant. Thus, the presence of variation could serve as basis for selection criteria for yield improvement in sesame.