Study of inter-relationship of morpho-economic traits for formulation of effective selection strategy in sesame

Character association and path coefficient analysis were carried out in a set of sesame genotypes collected from different states of India. Capsules/plant followed by plant height, days to cessation of flowering, period of flowering, capsule length, height to first capsule and seeds/capsule revealed significant positive correlation with seed yield. In contrast, seed weight had negative relationship with seed yield. Oil content seems to be increased with duration of flowering period owing to their inter se significant positive relationship. Among the component traits, number of capsules/plant had maximum direct effect on seed yield followed by height to first capsule, period of flowering. Besides, period of flowering, height to first capsule and capsule breadth contributed indirectly on seed yield/plant through number of capsules/plant. Hence, the above morpho-economic traits may be given due importance for effective selection in the breeding programme for development of superior sesame varieties.