Abstract

Heterosis for yield and three yield components, viz. capsules per plant, branches per plant and plant height was studied in 30 crosses involving six varieties of sesamum (Seas- mum indicum L.) Significant heterosis for yield was observed in 13 and 6 crosses over mid- and better parent respectively. The hybrid TS 15-72x Til black gave the highest heterosis over mid-(69.86%) and better parent (59.96%) followed by TS 15-72x Kalanag with respec- tive values of 57.14% and 30.69%. The heterosis in yield was due to simultaneous heterosis for a number of yield components. The cross TS 15-72x Til black recorded significant heterosis over both mid-and better parent for grain yield, capsules per plant, branches per plant and plant height. Heterosis over better parent could be used as criterion in future breeding programme.

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