Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Sesame is among the oldest oilseed crop and it is commonly designated as Queen of oilseeds crops owing to the superior quality of its oil, which exhibit strong to oxidative rancidity. Yield is a highly complex quantitative trait governed by multiple genes and markedly influenced by environmental factors. Owing to its polygenic nature, direct selection for yield alone may not bring about substantial genetic gain unless the genetic contribution of its component traits is properly considered. Hence, understanding the association between yield and its related attributes is essential for improving selection efficiency. Path coefficient analysis provides a powerful tool in this regard, as it partitions the correlation coefficients into direct and indirect effects, thereby offering deeper insights into the nature of relationships among traits. While correlation analysis measures the strength of association between traits, path analysis reveals the extent to which each trait influences yield directly or through other characters. This approach assists breeders in identifying the most important yield-contributing traits and facilitates effective selection strategies in crop improvement programs. The current study focused on examining the relationship between seed yield and its contributing traits in Sesame. A total of 28+2 genotypes were evaluated at the Oilseeds Research Station, College of Agriculture, Latur during Rabi 2024–2025 using a randomized block design with two replications. The trial was sown on November 28, 2024, at a spacing of 30 × 10 cm. The analysis clearly indicate that number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule and 1000 seed weight demonstrated positive and significant associations with seed yield per plant at either the genotypic level, phenotypic level or both And the study of path coefficient analysis revealed that the characters number of branches per plant and number of capsules per plant exerted positive direct effects on seed yield per plant at the genotypic level. Furthermore, Correlation and path analysis revealed that number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, and 1000‑seed weight are the major yield-contributing traits, and these should be prioritized in selection programs to develop high-yielding sesame genotypes.