Estimation of genetic parameters for yield components and seed yield in sunflower using line x tester analysis

Combining ability and heritability of yield and yield components of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) breeding lines were studied using line x tester analysis. Eight lines and six testers along with their 48 F1 single cross combinations and two checks were planted in simple lattice design with two replications. The results of analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits including seed length, seed width, seed thickness, seed yield and oil yield. Line x tester analysis displayed significant effects of genotypes for all the studied traits but parents, hybrids and lines had significant differences for all the traits except seed thickness. RF81-30 and AF80-427/2/1/1 with significant positive General Combining Ability (GCA) effects for seed length and seed width were considered as good combiners for improving these traits. Non of the lines and testers had significant GCA effects for seed thickness. Most of the lines and testers with significant positive GCA effects for seed yield had significant positive GCA effect of oil yield. AF-6937*RF81-30 had significant positive specific combining ability (SCA) effects for seed width, seed yield and oil yield. The crosses including AF80-460/2/1/1 × RF81-25 and AF8-6937 × RF81-30 had significant positive specific combining ability (SCA) effects for seed yield and oil yield. Estimating low narrow sense heritability for all the traits except seed thickness indicate the importance of non additive genetics effects for them; so for improving these traits, hybrid method will be more effective.Keywords: Cross combinations, general combining ability, lattice design, oil yield, sunflowerAfrican Journal of BiotechnologyVol. 12(25), pp. 3978-398