Unlocking the Genetic Potential by Assessing Combining Ability and Heterosis for Yield and its Component Traits in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The present investigation was executed with two lines and 12 testers along with 24 F1s and check NDSH 1012 for six yield and its component traits to ascertain the combining ability and heterosis. The analysis of variances showed highly significant differences among the parents for all the characters except for seed yield per plant and oil content implying the presence of significant variability and diversity among the parents. Among the two lines, ARM-243A was observed as best general combiner for head diameter, seed yield per plant and oil content. The tester, NDI-56 was found ato be good general combiner for head diameter and seed yield per plant. Out of 24 F1s evaluated, two crosses viz., CMS-17A X NDI-35 and CMS-17A X NDI-52 were recorded as good specific combiners for seed yield per plant and head diameter, respectively. The heterosis analysis revealed that 10 hybrids recorded positive significant mid parent, better parent and standard heterosis for seed yield per plant. Hence, the crosses CMS-17A X NDI-35 and CMS-17A X NDI-52 are advanced for direct selection to increase vigour gain.