Combining Ability Analysis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

An attempt was made to study the general and specific combining ability in sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) through Line X Tester analysis by using five lines and nine testers. A total of forty five crosses were developed and ten quantitative traits were studied. Based on the general combining ability effects, the line TMV 5 was found to be a good general combiner for more number of traits like single plant yield, total number of capsules per plant, number of capsules on main stem, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches and days to first flowering. Among the testers, CO 1 has good combining ability for single plant yield, 100 seed weight, plant height and number of secondary branches. The tester ORM 7 is also found to be the good general combiner for single plant yield, total number of capsules per plant, number of capsules in main stem and days to first flowering. The cross combination TMV 5 x ORM 7 had expressed the highly significant and positive sca effects for single plant yield, total number of capsules per plant and plant height but negative sca effect for 100 seed weight. Also, the cross TMV 6 x VRI 1 was found to have the significant and positive sca effects for more number of traits like single plant yield, 100 seed weight, total number of capsules per plant and number of primary branches and hence these crosses can be utilized for yield improvement through heterosis and pedigree breeding.