Evaluation of the productivity of certain sesamum genotypes

Abstract

Fifteen genotypes of sesame were evaluated in replicated trials at two locations viz., upland during rabi at Veliayani and rice fallow during summer at Kayamkulam. Data collected on 13 characters were subjected to statistical scrutiny. Significant differences were observed for most of the characters at each location and also between locations. Length of pod and 1000 seed weight were not found to be influenced by seasons. The multiloculed varieties gave higher yield than the four loculed ones at both the locations. The variety No. 42-1 giving maximum seed yield per hectare at both the locations had larger number of pods (especially in upland), longer pods, larger number of seeds per pod and higher seed weight. Medium in duration and with the highest oil content and possessing multiloculed capsules, this variety holds promise for being enhanced as an improved strain for general cultivation, pending further trials on its stability in performance.