Genetic divergence for yield and quality traits in sesame: Implications for parental selection

Arpita, J.
Bharathi, D.
Sabitha, N.
Ramana Murthy, B.
Reddi Sekhar, M.
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Abstract

Genetic diversity among parental genotypes is a key determinant of success in any crop improvement programme. 
In the present study, hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to assess genetic divergence among 104 sesame 
(Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes based on yield and yield attributing traits. The genotypes were grouped into nine 
distinct clusters, irrespective of their geographical origin, indicating the absence of association between genetic 
divergence and geographical distribution. The maximum inter-cluster distance (6.46) was observed between clusters 
V and VI, followed by 6.37 (IV–V), 6.09 (II–IX), 5.65 (II–VIII), and 5.22 (II–VII), indicating substantial genetic diversity 
among these clusters. Cluster IX recorded the highest mean seed yield per plant (15.41 g), whereas Cluster V exhibited 
the highest oil content (49.44 %). Based on the large inter-cluster distances, crosses involving parents from highly 
divergent clusters, particularly V × VI, IV × V, II × IX, II × VIII, and II × VII, are expected to generate superior recombinants 
and transgressive segregants for yield, earliness, and oil-related traits. The progenies derived from these crosses may 
be effectively utilized in future breeding programmes for the development of high-yielding, nutritionally rich, and climate
resilient sesame varieties. 

Keywords Sesame, Genetic divergence, Hierarchical Cluster analysis Parental selection, Yield components, breeding