Diallel analysis for yield and contributing traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Genetic information is estimated for yield and its component traits using full diallel analysis of 8 x 8 diverse parents of sesame. The combining ability analysis revealed that the genotype mean sum of the square were highly significant for all the traits. The t2 test was non-significant which validated the use of simple additive dominance model for the traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, length of capsule, 1000-seed weight and oil content. The D component was significant for all the traits excluding the traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant. The estimated components of H1 and H2 were significant for all the traits except days to maturity, 1000-seed weight and oil content disclosed the importance of additive and non-additive components. The unbalanced distribution of genes at the parents loci confirmed by the greater value of H1 than H2 and the ratio of H2/4H1 (