Abstract:
Germplasm evaluation is a part of the methodology of the plant breeding programmes to select
adaptive and high yielding genotypes. Evaluation of sesame germplasm is essential task as it is
important to find out special plant characteristics for the variety improvement. Therefore, this
study carried out to evaluate Korean sesame germplasm under Sri Lankan climatic conditions to
improve varieties by enrich of available seasame geane pool. The 16 accessions were received
from Korea were evaluated in research field at Grain Legume and Oil Crop Research and
Development Centre, Angunakolapelessa during Maha season 2018/19. Accessions were
evaluated in row method according to the randomized complete block design with 5 replicates.
Each accession was planted in 5m length row with two boarders. Random plant selection
method was followed for the experiment. The data was analyzed using ANOVA and means were
separated using DMRT. As agronomic characteristics, seed germination percentage, plant quality
parameters with yield reated other characteristics and yield were measured along with the
check variety Uma. The evaluation revealed that seed germination was more than 80% in
Korean genotypes under tested Sri Lankan condition as well as variety Uma. Days taken to 50%
flowering were less than 30 days of every accession while Uma was taken 30-35 days. All
accessions had number of 5 capsules per plant while Uma had 4 capsules per plant. Significantly,
the highest 1000 seed weight was recorded from the accession Yu- Pung (Brown) as 3.4g,
however the value was not significantly different from variety Uma. Recorded yield from all
accessions were significantly lower than the check variety Uma. Desired agronomic
characteristics such as not brancing growth pattern, not dehiscent seed, early maturity and
consumer preferred seed coat colours were recorded in contrast to those of the check variety.
According to the statistical analysis, 5 accessions (Si-Ji, Ye- An, Yu- Pung (White), Geon- Baek,
Baek- Soel) were selected to conduct yield trials.
