Genetic variability and heritability studies among genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): GENETIC VARIABILITY AND HERITABILITY STUDIES AMONG GENOTYPES OF SESAME

The evaluation of phenotypic variability, heritability and genetic advance in germplasmcollections is important for both plant breeders and germplasm curators to optimize the use of the variability available. A total of 50 sesame accessions were used to determine the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in this research work. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied. The number of capsules/plant and seed yield/plant recorded high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance of mean (GAM) was observed for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of branches/ plant, number of capsules/plant, number of seeds/capsule, seed yield/plant and 1000 seed weight indicating that these characters are controlled by additive gene effect and phenotypic selection of these characters would be effective for further breeding purpose.