Biomorphological association and path analysis in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

In breeding process it is important to know the extent of association between the traits that affect the yield. Objective of this study was to determine genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficients in 50 sunflower hybrid combinations in order to identify research priorities in sunflower breeding. Relationships between seed yield and five bio-morphological traits in sunflower (oil content, protein content, 1,000-seed weight, head diameter and plant height) were studied. Head diameter had the highest correlation coefficient with seed yield, at phenotypic and genotypic level. Path analysis revealed that all evaluated traits had positive influence on seed yield at both, genotypic and phenotypic, levels. The highest direct effect on seed yield was found for head diameter, while protein content had the lowest direct effect on seed yield. Study has shown that the greatest improvement in sunflower seed yield can be achieved through selection on head diameter