Studies on Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Character Association for Yield and Yield Attributes in Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) Inbreds

Abstract

The genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and association studies were carried out in thirty two sunflower inbreds collected from Oilseeds Reseach Station, Latur (Maharashtra) and were evaluated using a randomized block design for yield and yield traits. Results showed that highly significant mean sum of squares for all the traits indicating presence of sufficient variability in inbreds. There was a wide range of variation in plant height followed by seed yield/plant and seed filling per cent. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for seed yield/plant, 100 seed weight, husk content and head diameter. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was exhibited for seed yield/plant followed by 100 seed weight, volume weight, head diameter and oil content indicated direct selection could be effective. The seed yield/plant showed positive and highly significant association with head diameter, seed filling per cent, 100 seed weight and plant height both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. However, husk content exhibited significant and negative correlation at both levels. Hence, selecting plants with tall stature, larger heads, higher 100 seed weight, higher seed filling per cent and lower husk content said trait effective in sunflower breeding.