Genetic Divergence Analysis among Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Inbred Lines for Yield and Component Traits

Abstract

Sunflower holds a great promise because of its short duration, wider adaptability and superior quality oil. Ninety sunflower inbred lines from different agro-ecological origins were evaluated to study the genetic divergence for seed yield and its components. Based on D2 values, the 90 inbred lines were grouped into 8 clusters indicating considerable amount of genetic diversity. The character, seed filling percentage contributed maximum towards genetic divergence, followed by hull content and seed yield per plant. The genotype, AKSFI-54-3 exhibited the highest value of genotypic worth followed by EC-601957, RHA-3, RHA-859, AKSFI-33, EC-623015 and EC-601767. Mating among these genotypes shall be worthwhile to further expand genetic variability among populations and for selection of elite inbreds through convergent improvement for seed yield and its components for developing superior hybrids and/or elite populations through recurrent selection for composite varieties.