Combining ability analysis for various morphological traits in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

MUSTAFA W; TARIQ K; ZAFAR H; AFFAN QM; RAFIQ M; KHAN MI; ASHRAF W; ASGHAR S

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v2023i1.183

The present research was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Six lines and four testers were sown, and 24 crosses were generated. The seeds of these crosses were sown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and data for several morphological traits, including the number of days to flowering, plant height, number of whorls per head, head diameter, number of seeds per head, number of leaves per plant, achene yield per plant, 100-seed weight, oil content and protein content were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and line × tester analysis. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for traits mentioned above were evaluated. Lines with crosses showing high values of GCA and SCA were selected for further breeding programs. The recorded data were further subjected to analysis of variance, GCA and SCA to determine genetic variability and association among the characters. The results showed that the parental lines A-1, A-2, A-7 and A-8 showed good potential for most of the traits so that they could be taken to further breeding programs. The crosses A-5×A-10 and A-2×A-7 could be used for hybrid development.