Studies on variability, correlation and path analysis in Sesame{Sesamum indicumL.)
A field experiment was conducted with forty five hybrids developed by using fourteen genotypes of sesame in Line x Tester mating design. Observations were recorded for ten traits viz., days to first flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, number of capsules in main stem, total number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 100 seed weight and single plant yield. Analysis of variance revealed the significant variation among the genotypes for the traits studied. High and moderate heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance over mean observed for number of primary and secondary branches indicated the role of additive gene effects and hence selection may be effective in improving both these traits. High heritability accompanied with low genetic advance was observed for all other observed traits, where non-additive gene action was predominant. Seed yield per plant showed significant and positive correlation with days to first flowering, number of secondary branches, total number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule, which can be relied upon for yield improvement. The traits like number of secondary branches, number of capsules in main stem, number of seeds per capsule expressed positive direct effect on single plant yield, while days to maturity, total number of capsules per plant and 100 seed weight had negative direct effect. Hence, number of secondary branches, total number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule may be relied upon for increasing the seed yield in sesame