Combining ability studies through Line x Tester analysis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

An attempt was made to study the general and specific combining ability in sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) through L X T analysis with four lines and eleven testers. Nine characters viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, seed yield per plant and oil content were studied. Based on the general combining ability effects of parents and per se performance, the genotypes SVPR 1, RT 127, TKG 22, TKG 306, TMV 5 have considerable potential and can be utilized for developing cultivars, with high yield and oil content by using appropriate breeding strategy. Based on sca effects, the hybrids CO 1 x Shekar, CO 1 x RT 127, CO 1 x TKG 22, SVPR 1 x VRI SV 1, VRI SV 2 x TMV 6, VRI SV 2 x TKG 306 and TMV7 x TMV 4 were adjudged as better hybrids for yield and yield component  traits and hence recommended for yield improvement Key words Sesame, General combining ability, Specific combining ability