Heterosis studies for quantitative traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

A study was conducted in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) at Department of Botany, Pratishthan Mahavidyalaya, Paithan, Aurangabad (M.S.) to assess the extent of the heterosis for sixteen quantitative traits including seed yield per plant. Eight lines and six testers were crossed in line x tester manner to develop 48 F1 hybrids. Analysis of variance revealed the significant differences among the crosses for all traits except days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity and number of seeds per capsule. Heterosis was worked out over mid parent, better parent and standard variety TKG-22. Crosses SI-3218 x S-0434, SI-3218 x Lalguda local, GSM-22 x SI-331517 and GSM-22 x Lalguda local were the best heterotic combinations for seed yield, which recorded 193.10, 191.38, 191.38 and 170.69 per cent standard heterosis respectively and could be utilized for hybrid development. Four hybrids namely, GSM-22 x SI-331517, IC-413204 x S-0434, IC-413204 x KMS-5-873 and IC-413202 x S-0434 were shown desirable heterosis for seed yield per plant along with yield components. These hybrids may be tested in large scale trial to confirm the superiority in heterosis.