Path analyses of yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) parental lines

Abstract

Seed yield is very complex trait; it depends on genotype, environmental conditions, on various plant traits etc. Eighteen sunflower commercial parental lines were evaluated for various parameters under field conditions to estimate genetic parameters and path analyses. The ten female and eight restorer line were chosen for the experiment. Observed parameters were seed yield, 1000 seed, seed germination, oil and protein content. Objective of this study was determination of direct and indirect effects by path analysis; to compare given results of path analysis from female lines with results from restorer lines in order to identify research priorities in sunflower breeding. Path coefficient analysis, in observed female lines, indicates that 1000 seed weight has maximum positive and seed germination maximum negative direct effect on yield. In restorer lines, path coefficient analysis indicates that seed germination and 1000 seed weight have negative direct effect on yield, but effect of seed germination was highly significant.