Abstract

An investigation was carried out with three sesame genotypes resistant to pod borer (Antigastra catalaunalis Dup.). The genotypes were crossed with ruling varieties to evaluate their combining ability and heterosis performance for the pod borer resistance. The parents Si 3315/11 and Co I could be utilised as donors in the hybridisation programme to infuse pod borer resistance. The immense valuable heterotic Si 3315/11 x Co 1 hybrid could be exploited in heterosis breeding programme to get desirable segregants with pod borer resistance since it registered high per se performance. SCA effect. high heterosis and involved parents of good combiners.

Keywords: Sesame, Combining ability, Heterosis, Resistance, Pod borer