Factor analysis of genetic divergence in Sesame

Abstract

Sesame is an important annual oil seed crop grown in India. It is grown in a very limited area of 1453 hecters in Kerala. The lack of high yielding varieties suitable to the seasons in different regions was the main factor limiting the productivity of sesame in our State. The genetically divergent parents will produce better segregants in the hybridisation programme. The present study was undertaken to delineate the underlying causes of divergence in the sesame plants using the factor analytic methods.