Abstract

                                Combining ability effects were estimated in line x tester crossing programme for ten characters involving 7 lines and 5 testers in sesame (Seasamum indicum L.). Higher magnitude of sea effects indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action control on all the traits. Among the lines VS 350, VS9101 and Tapi were evaluated as good general combiners for seed yield and its components. Tester TMV 3 was found to be a good male donor for plant height, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant. Among hybrids VS9101 x TMV4 was the most promising one as it had high sea effects and per se performance for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and length breadth ratio. An attempt of multiple crosses with the use of all the above good general combiners would lead to obtain transgressive segregants for grain yield in advanced generations

Key words : Combining ability, Sesamum, Line x Tester, Gene action