Multivariate analysis for seed yield and its contributing traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame is one of the important oilseed crops. The present investigation evaluated sixty sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes for seven yield and yield-contributing traits to identify key selection criteria for yield improvement. Significant genetic variability was detected, with number of capsules per plant (range: 32–78), number of branches per plant (2.1–6.3) and seed yield per plant (3.8–9.7 g) exhibiting high heritability (> 70 %) and high genetic advance (> 20 % of the mean), indicating substantial scope for effective selection. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three components explained 82.3 % of the total variation, mainly influenced by branching pattern, capsule traits and phenological attributes. Correlation analysis showed that number of capsules per plant (r = 0.72) and number of branches per plant (r = 0.61) were positively associated with seed yield, whereas days to maturity (r = -0.38) displayed a negative association. Path coefficient analysis identified strong positive direct effects for number of capsules per plant (2.01) and days to maturity (1.36) on seed yield, while plant height (-1.81) and number of branches per plant (-0.63) exerted negative direct effects. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into eight clusters, demonstrating substantial genetic divergence. The wide variation among clusters suggests that crossing genotypes from distant clusters, particularly clusters III, VI and VIII, would generate broad segregation and enhance the probability of isolating high-yielding recombinants. These findings provide numerically supported trait priorities and hybridization strategies for designing efficient sesame improvement programmes.