Correlation and Path Analysis between Seed Yield and some Weed and Quantitative Components in Two Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties as influenced by Seed Rate and Nitrogen Fertilizer

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted in the wet seasons of 2009 to 2011, at the Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru (Lat., 11o 11´ N, Long. 7o 38´ E, 686 m above sea level); to determine the contributions of some weed and quantitative characters to seed yield of two sesame varieties as affected by seed rate and nitrogen fertilizer The treatments consisted of four seed rates (2, 4, 6 and 8 kg ha-1) and four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha-1) and two sesame varieties ( NCRIBEN 01M and E8). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Seed and nitrogen rates were assigned to the main plot, while crop variety was assigned to the sub plot. Seed yield correlated positively and significantly with plant height, branches per plant, leaves per plant, capsules per plant, seeds per capsule and 1000 - seed weight; and seeds per capsule contributed more to seed yield compared with other growth and yield characters measured. Path analysis revealed that greatest direct effect and individual factor contribution to seed yield was made by number of seeds per capsule. The highest indirect effect to seed yield was made by number of seeds per capsule through 1000 – seed weight; and highest combined contribution was by number of seeds per capsule through number of branches per plant. From this study it was observed that seeds per capsule made the most contribution to seed yield and should therefore be used as a selection index for sesame improvement.