Inter-relations of yield and its components in sesame

Abstract

One hundred sesame types were evaluated in replicated trials in rice fallows. There was positive and significant genotypic correlation of yield of seeds with number of capsules on branches, number of capsules per plant, number of branches, number of fruiting axils per unit length and weight of 1000 seeds. Number of days to flowering, maturing, height of the plant, height up to first capsule, length and circumferance of capsule and number of seeds per capsule exerted negative and significant genotypic correlation with yield of seeds. The quality characters such as seed oil content and seed protein content did not have significant genotypic correlation with yield of seeds. The maximum positive direct effects on yield of seeds was exerted through number of capsules per plant followed by number of branches. The indirect effects of other characters via. these characters on yield of seeds were considerable. Hence it can be inferred that number of capsules per plant and number of branches are to be given importance in selection programme. The proposed plant architecture for higher productivity during summer can be dwarf in stature, profuse branching, early flowering and maturing, bearing large number of capsules with large sized seeds.