Determination of Genetic Variation in Indian Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Genotypes for Agro-Morphological Traits

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the oldest oil crops and is widely cultivated in Asia andAfrica. Characterization and quantification of genetic diversity has long been a major goal inevolutionary biology. Information on the genetic diversity within and among closely related cropvarieties is essential for a rational use of genetic resources. The analysis of genetic variation withinand among elite breeding materials is of fundamental interest to plant breeders. It contributes tomonitoring of germplasm and can also be used to predict potential genetic gains .To determine thelevel of diversity in relation to geographical origins and morphological characteristics, a total of 60accessions have been collected from different parts of the India were analyzed using statisticaltechniques for thirteen quantitative and four qualitative parameters using D2 analysis. Number of seedsper capsule contributed highest towards the divergence. The distribution pattern of genotypes indifferent clusters indicated that genetic divergence was not related to geographical differentiation.

Keywords:

D2 analysis , Euclidean distance , genetic diversity , morphological traits , Sesamum indicum L