Abstract

                                A study was made in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to assess the extent of heterosis in 36 F 1 hybrids derived from Line x Tester fashion. The 36 F1 hybrids and their parents were used to estimate the heterosis for 9 traits including seed yield. The parent VRI 1 used as a standard parent. Based on standard heterosis and per se performance the superior crosses were identified for each trait. Heterosis for yield was generally accompanied by heterosis for component traits. The crosses CO 1 x ORM 14, TMV 4 x ORM 17, TMV 5 x ORM 17, Paiyur 1 x ORM 14 and TNAU 2030-35 x ORM 14 could be used for pedigree breeding method due to additive x additive nature of epistatic gene action.

Key words : sesame, heterosis, relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis, standard heterosis