Genetic Divergence for Seed Yield, its Components and Oil Content in Sesame

Abstract

Multivariate analysis of divergence among 50 genotypes of sesame for nine quantitative characters revealed
considerable genetic diversity in the materials and led to their grouping into five clusters. The cluster I was the
largest having 20 genotypes followed by cluster III (13), V (9), II (5) and IV (3). The maximum divergence was
revealed between cluster II and IV. The cluster IV was also distantly placed from other three clusters. Oil content
contributed maximum, accounting for 45.39% of total genetic divergence followed by number of capsules/plant
(18.94%) and seed yield/plant (16.49%). Based on genetic distance, mean performance and clustering pattern,
hybridization involving genotypes EC-357023, B-6 and CST-782 are likely to give desirable segregants for developing
superior varieties of sesame.