Estimation of Variability Parameters in Three Diverse Species of Sesame Along with their Intra and Inter Specific Hybrids

Sesame known as the “queen” of oil seed crops is one of the oldest oilseed crops cultivated worldwide. The present investigation was carried out for the estimation of different variability parameters, such as ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance in twelve diverse genotypes of Sesamum indicum, S. mulayanum and S. radiatum along with their twenty three intra and inter specific hybrids for twelve physiological and yield component characters at the Experimental Farm area of the Department of Crop Improvement CSKHPKV, Palampur. ANOVA revealed the presence of sufficient genetic variability for all the characters under study. Moderate PCV (10-20%) was observed for five characters viz., harvest index, plant height, branches per plant, seed yield per plant and capsules per plant whereas, it was low (<10%) for remaining characters. GCV was moderate (10-20%) for four characters viz., plant height, harvest index, branches per plant and seed yield per plant thus, indicating that the phenotypic expression of these characters represent a true picture of their genotypic expression also, while the remaining characters exhibited low GCV (<10%). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height and harvest index which indicated the presence of high additive gene action while high heritability with moderate genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and days to flower initiation stipulating the presence of both additive and non additive gene actions thus, providing scope for improvement of these traits through hybridization and selection.