Abstract

                                The 36 hybrids obtained by crossing 12x3 genotypes in line x tester fashion and their parents were evaluated during rabi 2003-04 for nine metric traits. Combining ability studies indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the characters except 100-seed weight and oil content. The genotypes CO 1, TMV 4, and ORM 14 might be utilized as potential parents since they possessed high per se with significant gca effects for most of the traits under study. Based on per se performance, sca effects and standard heterosis for yield and yield related components along with maturity, the five hybrids namely, 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 were identified as the best cross combinations for further exploitation.

Key words : sesame, combining ability, gca effects, sca effects, per se performance