Breeding for seed yield and shoot webber (Antigastra catalaunalis D.) resistance in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Forty sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) involving eight high yielding popular varieties and five sesame shoot webber resistant genotypes were evaluated to study gene action, combining ability and heterosis. Among the parents, the lines VS 9701, CO 1, SVPR 1 and Rama and the testers Si 3315/11 and ES 22 were the best for most of the yield and yield contributing characters (including shoot webber resistance) based on mean performance and gca effects. Considering the mean performance, sca and standard heterosis, five hybrids viz., VS 9701 × Si 3315/11, CO 1 × Si 3315/11, SVPR 1 × ES 22, VS 9701 × ES 22 and Rama × Si 3315/11 were found to be superior for seed yield and shoot webber resistance and recommended for further evaluation.