Multivariate analysis for yield and yield-related traits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes

Sesame production under irrigation is limited in Ethiopia because of in availability of high yielding varieties, inadequate and inefficient irrigation schemes, and insignificant awareness of producers. This study, comprising 13 sesame genotypes, was conducted around Humera and Werer during 2018 and 2019 under irrigation. The design was randomized completely block design with three replications and the objectives were to develop high yielding genotypes and identify important agronomic traits. Multivariate statistical methods like Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model, Principal Component Analysis, Cluster and factor analyses were used. The genotypes (6.22%), environments (42.62) and Genotype × Environment Interactions (25.09%) were statistically (p < 0.001) significant for the agronomic traits. The grain yield in each observation varied from 383 kg/ha to 2044 kg/ha and the grand mean yield was 820.19 kg/ha. The highest mean yield was recorded from G12 (948.6 kg/ha) followed by G4 (938.9 kg/ha) while the lowest was recorded from G8 (703.1 kg/ha). G1, G4, G12, G5, G8, G11 and G13 are identified as unstable genotypes while G2, G3, G6, and G9 are stable genotypes. The genotypes were grouped in to four clusters and cluster-II was characterized as the high yielding cluster and it was also associated with grain yield, pods per plant, branches per plant and thousand seed weight. Branches per plant, pods per plant and thousand seed weight may be most determinant and crucial in developing high yielding sesame varieties. This finding recommends that G4 and G6 are desirable genotypes and can be used for irrigation production.