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 ten testers. A total of fifty crosses were developed and eleven quantitative traits were studied. Among the line AT-231 was the best general combiner for days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, number of capsule per plant, number of seed per capsule, 1000 seed weight, oil content and seed yield per plant and the line RT-54 for days to maturity, width of capsule, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant and oil content. Among the tester KMR-69 showed positive gca effects for seed yield per plant and 1000 seed weight. The tester GT-3 was the best general combiner for days to 50 % flowering, oil content, length of capsule and width of capsule. The tester LOCAL was the best general combiner for number of capsule per plant, number of seed per capsule and 1000 seed weight. The tester PRACHI was the best general combiner for number of branches per plant. The cross RT-54 x KMR-69 exhibited significantly high sca effects for the characters viz., number of capsule per plant, width of capsule, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant and hence these crosses could be utilized for yield improvement through heterosis and pedigree breeding.