Nature of Gene Action for Yield and Yield Related Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes

Abstract

An understanding of the nature of gene action is a prerequisite for any successful breeding program. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic system governing yield and yield related traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes. Ten sesame lines viz., EW002, BG006, EW023-2, EW006, EW003-1, EW019, Obsa, Dicho, Wama and EW010-1 were crossed in year 2011 in a complete diallel fashion. Seeds of all F1 and their parents were planted at Wama research sub sites in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data for days to flowering, branches per plant, plant height, capsules per plant and seed yield per plant were recorded. The result of this study showed that additive and dominant gene effects were important for all the traits studied. Both maternal (c) and reciprocal (d) effects were significant for days to flowering and grain yields per plant. Medium narrow sense heritability was observed for plant height and branches per plant. In this study, the predominance of over dominance gene action was involved in all traits. This showed that there is high scope of heterosis breeding. On the other hand, recurrent selection is likely lead to overall population improvement of this crop for grain yield and yield related traits.