Exploration of genetic parameters for yield and quality traits among genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The present experiment was carried out during the late kharif season of 2024 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Polasa, Jagtial, with the purpose of estimating genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance (expressed as a percent of mean) in a set of 105 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes. Results from the analysis of variance indicated statistically significant differences across all sixteen evaluated traits, confirming the existence of broad genetic diversity. Among the studied traits, number of capsules per plant, seed yield per plant and linolenic acid content exhibited the highest values for both genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. Moreover, traits such as plant height, number of capsules per plant, seed yield per plant and linolenic acid content showed high heritability combined with high genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM), reflecting the dominance of additive genetic effects. This suggests that these traits can be effectively enhanced through simple phenotypic selection.