Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for the Phenotypic Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Populations from Ethiopia

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important crop produced in Ethiopia for oilseed production and it ranks first in total production from oil crops. a study was conducted to determine the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance among 64 sesame populations from Ethiopia. The populations were grown in 8 x 8 simple lattice design in Jima Arjo District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia during 2013. Data were collected for 11 morpho agronomic traits and analyzed using SAS software version 9.0. The results showed that there were highly significant differences among the populations for all characters studied. estimates for GCV and PCV were observed in the populations for NPB, BPP, SY, BY and HI which could indicate the populations are variable. High to very high estimates for heritability values were observed for all traits except TSW which indicated that the populations are useful  for breeding activities and can be utilized in subsequent selections based on phenotypic expressions of individual plants for specific traits. And it further indicates the limited influence of the environment on the phenotypic expressions of the traits. Further computation for GAM indicated that high estimates were found for NPB, BPP, BY, SY and HI which could further confirm the easy of selections based on phenotypic traits after cycle of selection using 5 % selection intensity. This study generally indicated that there were significance genetic variations among the populations. Thus, there is enormous opportunity of using the germplasm in the improvement program for employing different breeding techniques for selection of varieties for significant increment in economic trait like seed yield and percent oil content.