Genetic Variability Studies for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops cultivated globally and is renowned for its high-quality oil, which possesses excellent resistance to oxidative rancidity. Despite its nutritional and economic importance, genetic improvement in sesame has lagged behind other oilseed crops, primarily due to its narrow genetic base, indeterminate growth habit, and limited research focus. The productivity of sesame remains low and stagnant in many regions, which underscores the need for systematic genetic studies to identify and utilize promising traits for crop improvement. Therefore, assessing the extent of genetic variability, heritability, and inter-trait relationships is essential for developing efficient breeding strategies aimed at enhancing seed yield and its contributing traits. The present investigation was undertaken to assess genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and its contributing traits in sesame. A total of 30 genotypes (28 genotypes and 2 check varieties) were evaluated at the Oilseeds Research Station, College of Agriculture, Latur, during Rabi 2024–2025 using a randomized block design with two replications. The trial was sown on November 28, 2024, at a spacing of 30 × 10 cm. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged from low to high. The lowest GCV and PCV were observed for traits such as oil content, days to maturity, plant height, and number of seeds per capsule; moderate values were recorded for traits like number of capsules per plant, 1000-seed weight, and days to 50% flowering. In contrast, the highest GCV and PCV values were noted for seed yield per plant, number of branches per plant, and capsule length. All traits exhibited high heritability, with the highest values for days to 50% flowering, oil content, capsule length, number of branches per plant, and seed yield per plant. These findings suggest the predominance of additive genetic effects for these traits. Therefore, these traits represent promising targets for direct selection in breeding programs. In conclusion, the genotypes exhibited substantial genetic variability for yield and related traits, offering significant potential for improvement in future breeding efforts.