Character association analysis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Two genotypes of sesame namely TMV4 (branched) and CS601 (shy branch) were selected for the character association study to assess the relationship among yield and its components for selection criteria to be followed while developing varieties. Observations were recorded on five traits viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules in main stem, number of capsules in branches and seed yield per plant. Character association analysis revealed positive association of seed yield per plant with number of capsules on branches per plant in both TMV 4 and CS 601. Likewise number of branches and number of capsules on main stem had positive association in both genotypes. However, the association between number of branches and seed yield, between number of branches and number of capsules on branches, between number of capsules on main stem and number of capsules on branches had positive association in TMV 4 only. Plant height had positive association with number of capsules on main stem in CS 601 only. This study clearly indicated the differential association of characters in branched and shy branch genotypes. Hence while formulating selection index, separate association studies are necessary if the genotypes differed on branching types.