Yield potential of different sunflower genetic classes: A multivariate approach

Abstract

Breeding programs aim at obtaining superior genotypes. The multivariate analysis allows simultaneously assessing a large number of variables and interesting genotypes. The objective of the present study is to assess the yield potential of different sunflower genetic classes. A randomized block design, with four repetitions, and eight sunflower genotypes was used in the current experiment. Principal component analyses were performed for the variables plant height, lower stem diameter, upper stem diameter, chapter diameter, chapter weigh, achene weight and grouping. The method by UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Using an Arithmetic Average) was used to assess the oil content. The upper stem diameter, lower stem diameter and plant height variables showed high positive correlation, as well as chapter diameter, chapter weight and plant height. Variables lower stem diameter and achene weight were not correlated. Genotypes Olisun-3 and Aguará-4 showed potential for the selection of the chapter diameter, chapter weight and achene weight variables; the hybrids Charrua e Olisun-5 was adopted for upper stem diameter, plant height and lower stem diameter character selections. The open-cross varieties presented higher oil content percentage.