Genetic diversity study in Sesame germplasm (Sesamum indicum L.)

The current study set out to identify the kind and degree of genetic variability among the variables influencing seed production. Using a Randomised Block Design with two replications, 40 sesame genotypes were assessed for nine different characteristics at the Agriculture Research farm, College of Agriculture, Dhule, in the summer of 2024. The genotypes were divided into six clusters based on the D2 value. In addition to providing options for improving the base population and achieving a high heterotic impact, intercrossing them would restore suitable transgressive segregants and a broad spectrum of diversity in succeeding generations. The JLSG-1659 genotype is superior in terms of earliness in terms of days to 50% flowering and days to maturity when taking into consideration inter-cluster distances, cluster mean, per se performance, and divergence class as demonstrated in the current study. Plant height, protein content, and seed yield per plant were determined to be superior for genotype TKG-377. In terms of 1000 seed weight, number of primary branches per plant, and number of capsules per plant, genotype NIC-790 is superior. Plant height is greater for genotype TNAU-64-3. By intercrossing these genotypes, more variety can be created in sesame and beneficial heterosis can be obtained.