ASSESSMENT OF AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL VARIABILITY AND HERITABILITY ESTIMATES IN SELECTED SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) VARIETIES UNDER THE FOREST–SAVANNA TRANSITION ZONE OF EDO STATE

Akhigbe E, Adavbiele, J. Victor

DOI: 10.26480/bda.01.2026.11.17

ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Emaudo Annex, Ekpoma, Edo State, to assess agro-morphological variability and estimate heritability among selected sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Data collected on growth and yield traits were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and genetic models, while means were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% probability level. Significant differences were observed among the varieties for all vegetative and yield traits. NCRIBEN 01M recorded the highest plant height across 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting (WAP), whereas E8 produced the highest number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, and number of branches. High heritability and genetic gain values were obtained for key traits such as plant height (95.24% and 12.32), number of leaves per plant (98.25% and 16.35), and leaf area (95.01% and 12.76), indicating predominance of additive gene effects. Similarly, high heritability estimates were observed for stem girth, number of branches, days to 50% flowering and maturity, number of seeds per pod, 1000-seed weight, pod weight, and seed yield. Conversely, low heritability values for plant height at later growth stages suggest non-additive gene effects. The high heritability and genetic gain recorded for most traits imply that these characters can be effectively improved through selection. Based on superior yield and heritable performance, E8 and NCRIBEN 01M are recommended for cultivation in the forest–savanna transition zone of Edo State.

KEYWORDS
Genetic variability; heritability; genetic gain; sesame (Sesamum indicum); yield components; correlation; additive gene effect; randomized complete block design (RCBD); agronomic traits; variety evaluation