Identification of Specific Cross Combinations in Sesame, (Sesamum indicum L.)

The combining ability was studied to identify the best specific cross combinations in sesame(Sesame Indicum L.) through diallel analysis with seven parents. Eight characters viz., days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant and oil yield per plants were studied. Based on the general combining ability effects of parents DSS-9 was found to be good general combiner for days to maturity, plant height and number of capsules per plant, 1000 seed weight, seed yield per plant and oil yield per plant, number of branches per plant followed by Dhauri Local. The cross combination Gowry x JCT-7 showed negative significant sca for days to maturity. Dhauri Local x DSS- 9 showed positive and significant sca effect for the traits, number of capsules per plant and seed yield and oil yield per plant followed by DSS-9 X RT-54 and hence recommended for yield improvement.