Correlation Studies and Path Analysis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), an ancient oilseed crop, is cultivated in central and northern India under rainfed conditions during the kharif season. Despite its high oil and protein content, sesame cultivation area and production remain low due to various reasons. This study conducted at CCS HAU, Hisar, aimed to improve sesame yield through plant breeding by examining correlation and path analysis. This trial was conducted using augmented RCBD and data was recorded on traits including plant height(cm), primary branches plant-1, secondary branches plant-1, number of capsules plant-1, and seed yield plant-1. Genotypic correlations showed that seed yield plant-1 positively correlated with the number of capsules plant-1 (r = 0.854**), primary branches plant-1 (r = 0.602**), secondary branches plant-1 (r = 0.283*) and slightly negatively with plant height (r = -0.064). Path analysis indicated the number of capsules plant-1 had the highest direct effect on seed yield plant-1 (0.769) followed by primary branches plant-1. The study concludes that enhancing primary branches plant-1 and capsules plant-1 while managing plant height can significantly boost sesame yield.