Genetic analysis of seed yield in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Genetics of seed yield was studied in a set of 12 x 12 half diallel crosses of sesame which indicated importance of both dominant and additive gene action. E 8, Phule Til 1 and CST 785 emerged as a good general combiner for high seed yield. Among the crosses, PratapxRT103, CST 785xE8, BS5-18-6xPhule Til-1, T13x E8 exhibited positive and significant SCA effect indicating non-additive gene action for high seed yield. Study of various genetic parameters revealed that a number of groups of genes or loci having recessive alleles with increasing effect might be involved in realization of high seed yield and involvement of modifiers in the background genotype could not be ruled out.