Genetic Variability Study in Ethiopian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) Genotypes at Western Oromia

Background and Objectives: To understand the genetic nature of sesame yield and its components, estimation of genetic variability is critical in the plant improvement program. The current study was conducted to determine the genetic variability among Ethiopian sesame genotypes. Materials and Methods: The 64 sesame genotypes including standard check were evaluated under field conditions at Bako Agricultural Research Center. The study was conducted on an 8×8 simple lattice design. Each genotype was planted in 40 and 10 cm between rows of plants, respectively. All necessary plant and plot-based data were collected and analyzed by SAS 9.3 version software. Results: The study shows highly significant (p<0.01) differences among evaluated traits of sesame except for stem height. High phenotypic coefficient of variation, genotypic coefficient of variation and heritability were obtained from seed yield and harvest index. Medium phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation with high heritability was observed from capsule per plant and branches per plant. However, low phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations were recorded from days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height. Branches per plant showed medium phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations and heritability. Conclusion: Harvest index, biomass yield and capsule per plant were used with seed yield to identify superior genotypes in sesame breeding programs.