Genetic Analysis for some Economic Traits in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Abstract

Seven sunflower cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS lines) and three Rf-restorer (tester lines) were used to obtain 21 F1 hybrids according to line x tester mating design. All the 21 F1 hybrids, 7 lines, and three testers were evaluated at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafer El-Sheikh Governorate during 2017 season. The results showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the studied traits. The major role of dominant genes was found because the degree of dominance was greater than unity. These results indicated the preponderance of dominant gene action and the feasibility of hybrid sunflower development. A5 and A9 of CMS lines and RF1 of restorer lines proved to the best general combiners for head diameter, seed yield plant and seed oil content. The cross combinations of A5 x Rf1 and A7 x Rf8 were identified as the best for seed yield per plant with highly significant SCA effects and heterosis. Combining ability analysis indicated that both genetic components, additive and non-additive, were important in expression of investigated traits. The components of genetic variance indicated that the non-additive component played the main role in the inheritance of all studied traits. Heritability in broad sense (hb) was larger than that in narrow sense (hn) for all studied traits.