【Objective】 Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed using multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear (mrMLM) model to identify the significantly associated SNPs and candidate genes with yield traits, and lay a foundation for molecular marker-assisted selection breeding for sesame high yield.【Method】 In this study, 363 diverse sesame lines were assembled into an association-mapping panel. Eight yield-related traits, including seed yield per plant, capsule number per plant, seed number per capsule, 1000-seed weight, plant height, capsule axis length, first capsule height and apparent harvest index, were investigated. Genome-wide association studies were performed using mrMLM to detect significantly associated SNPs and predict important candidate genes related to yield traits.【Result】 Eight yield-related traits measured in four environments exhibited extensive phenotypic variation with 1.63%-17.29% of phenotypic variation coefficients. The seed yield per plant was positively correlated with capsule number per plant, plant height, capsule axis length, and apparent harvest index respectively. Analysis of variance indicated that significant variations were observed across environment, genotype, and the genotype × environment interaction. GWAS were performed and a total of 210 SNPs were detected for yield traits. Among these SNPs, 47, 35, 35, 53, and 75 SNPs were detected in 2018NY, 2019NY, 2018PY, 2019PY and BLUP, explaining 1.63%-17.29%, 1.94%-11.90%, 2.15%-15.90%, 1.25%-11.13% and 1.44%-13.58% of phenotypic variation, respectively. These 210 SNPs corresponded to 175 loci, and 10 loci were detected in more than 3 environments. A total of 214 candidate genes were identified, including 156 genes involved in metabolism, biological regulation, and developmental and growth process. Among these genes, 4 genes were selected as important candidate genes. SIN_1006338, encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 3-like protein, was involved in ethylene biosynthesis. SIN_1024330, encoding transcription factor IBH1-like 1, was involved in regulating cell and organ elongation. SIN_1014512, encoding indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase GH3.6, was involved in shoot and hypocotyl cell elongation. SIN_1011473, encoding protein DA1-like, was involved in restricting the period of cell proliferation.【Conclusion】 One hundred and seventy-five loci were identified by mrMLM, and 4 important genes related to yield traits were selected.