Genotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and some yield components in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Genotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis were used to determine the effects of various traits as components of seed yield in 220 F5 families derived from ten sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) crosses and advanced by the single seed descent (SSD) method. The F5 families were evaluated at the Demonstration Farm, University of Khartoum, Shambat, Sudan, for two consecutive seasons (1998/99 and 1999/00), using nested design with three replications. Highly significant positive genotypic correlations were detected for seed yield/plant with seed yield/ha and for each of them with plant height, number of capsules/plant, number of primary branches, height to first capsule, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Path analysis revealed that number of capsules/plant, 1000-seed weight and number of seeds/capsule had the highest positive direct effects on seed yield/plant. Number of primary branches via number of capsules/plant gave the highest positive indirect effect on seed yield/plant. These results indicate that number of capsules/plant, number of seeds/capsule and 1000-seed weight are the principal yield components, and selection for these traits may be useful in improving seed yield in sesame.