Assessment of Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes Using Correlation and Regression Analysis

The present study was conducted to estimate the correlation and regression among seed yield and its associated traits in sesame genotypes. The experiment was carried out at the Oilseeds Research Institute, Tandojam, during the Kharif season 2024 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and six sesame genotypes, namely Tedo, Tandojam, Tharparker, Black, THB, and S-17 (check). Thirteen agronomic and yield-related traits were evaluated: germination percentage, days to first flowering, days to 90% maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, plant population per hectare, seed index, number of seeds per capsule, seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot, seed yield per hectare, and oil content. Analysis of variance revealed significant to highly significant differences among the genotypes for all yield- and oil content-related traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. This variability provides valuable opportunities for future sesame breeding programs and the development of improved cultivars. Based on mean performance, the genotypes S-17 (check) and Tandojam exhibited superior performance for most evaluated traits, particularly seed yield per plant and oil content, whereas the remaining genotypes require further improvement through breeding and evaluation. Correlation, coefficient of determination (R²), and regression analyses indicated that seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with plant height (r = 0.53), number of branches per plant (r = 0.63), number of capsules per plant (r = 0.67), number of seeds per capsule (r = 0.76), and days to first flowering (r = 0.65). Seed yield per plot exhibited a perfect positive and significant correlation with seed yield per hectare (r = 1.00). The number of capsules per plant was also positively and significantly correlated with plant height (r = 0.82) and days to 90% maturity (r = 0.67*). Furthermore, the number of branches per plant showed a positive and significant association with the number of seeds per capsule (r = 0.53). Days to first flowering was positively and significantly correlated with days to 90% maturity (r = 0.88), plant height (r = 0.86), and number of capsules per plant (r = 0.73*). Overall, most yield-related traits exhibited positive and significant correlations, indicating their potential as effective selection criteria for improving seed yield in sesame. Based on the findings of this study, the genotypes S-17 (check) and Tandojam are recommended for cultivation and as promising parental materials for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing seed yield and oil content. However, multi-environment validation is required to confirm the stability and broader adaptability of these genotypes.