Genetic Variability and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield Related Traits in Helianthus Annus

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in the research area of the department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The research material were comprised of 20 genotypes of sunflower (G-16, G-30, G-32, G-36, G-44, G-45, G-61, G-64, G-66, G-68, G-86, A-2, A-14, A-23, A-56, A-60, A-61, A-79, A-133 and A-185). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the year 2013. Results revealed that the strongest correlation of seed yield was observed with 1000-grain weight at genotypic level, 1000 grain weight and oil contents were positively and significantly correlated at phenotypic and genotypic levels with total achene weight. So the 1000-seed weight and oil contents are important yield components and could be used as selection criteria to improve seed yield. In path coefficient, highest positive indirect effect of chlorophyll was through oil content. While that direct selection for oil contents, Fresh head diameter, Plant height and days to 50% flowering will give the best results for total achene weight per plant.

Keywords: G-16, sunflower, 1000 grain weight, chlorophyll and oil contents.