Genetic variability and character association among sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties in the forest-savanna transition zone of Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on genetic variability and character associations in sesame (Sesamum indicum) was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and genetic models, with means compared by Least Significant Difference (LSD). Among the sesame varieties, NCRIBEN 01M exhibited the highest plant height at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting (WAP), while E8 showed superior performance in number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, and number of branches. High heritability values were recorded for plant height, number of leaves (95.24% and 95.17%), and leaf area (95.01%), suggesting strong genetic control. Additionally, stem girth and number of branches showed high heritability at all stages of growth. Days to 50% flowering and maturity also had high heritability (90.97%) and genetic gain (23.97). However, low heritability values were observed for plant height at 6 and 8 weeks, indicating non-additive gene effects. Positive correlations were found between the number of pods per plant and seed yield, as well as between number of seeds per pod and pod length and weight. Improving one positively correlated trait can lead to improvements in others. The varieties E8 and NCRIBEN 01M, which exhibited high yield potential, are recommended for farmers in this region.