Estimation of Magnitude of Heterosis for Quantitative Characters in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Exploitation of hybrid vigour is an important approach for improving yield and its associated traits in sesame. In recent years, efforts have focused on developing sesame hybrids using methods such as manual emasculation and pollination, chemical hybridizing agents, and genetic and cytoplasmic male sterility systems. An experiment was conducted in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) at Students’ farm, School of Agriculture, Loyola Academy during Dec 2021-September 2022 to assess the extent of heterosis for nine quantitative characters. Eight lines and four testers were crossed in line x tester fashion to develop 32 hybrids. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the 32 hybrids for all the characters. The performance of thirty two hybrids over the mid parental value (average heterosis), better parental value (heterobeltiosis) and standard check variety RT-125 (standard heterosis) for various traits was tested. Based on standard heterosis, the hybrids DORG 37-11 x RT-125, IC 500393 x RT-125, CT-50 x Phule Til-1 and CT-50 x JLT-408 were adjudged as the best hybrids as they recorded high standard heterosis for seven, six and five characters respectively. The cross IC 500393 x RT-125 exhibited the best standard heterosis for seed yield per plant (11.76) followed by CT-50 X Phule Til-1(11.14) and DORG 37-11 X RT-125(8.34).