Study of combining ability for yield attributing traits in late kharif sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The present investigation carried out on Genetic architecture of seed yield and its components in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to estimate general and specific combining ability effects. The magnitude of GCA and SCA variances revealed that the SCA variances were higher than their respective GCA variances for all the characters. The ratio of σ2GCA/σ2SCA was less than unity for all the characters, suggesting a preponderance of non-additive gene action to control these traits. Among the parents, Zira 1 and IC 43236 were found good general combiners for seed yield per plant. The cross combinations viz., JR 22 × AT 467 and Zira 1 × G. Til-4 were found to be good specific cross combinations for seed yield per plant which were in a combination of average × good and good × poor combiners, respectively. These crosses also depicted high sca effects for important seed attributes. Therefore, if it is commercially feasible, these two crosses could be exploited for a heterosis breeding programme to boost the seed yield in late kharif of sesame.