Genetic divergence for seed parameters in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract

An investigation was taken up at the Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, India, to determine the extent of genetic divergence with respect to eleven characters in 85 sunflower genotypes consisting of 80 inbreds and five check cultivars. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences among the genotypes. Mahalanobis' D2statistic indicated the presence of substantial genetic diversity. The genotypes were grouped into fifteen clusters. Based on the intercluster distance and cluster mean for various characters, potential lines were identified from clusters III, IV, VI, VIII, XI, XII and XIV for crossing program. Among the investigated characteristics, the number of filled seeds per head, test weight, kernel to hull ratio and seed yield per plant exhibited high contribution towards genetic divergence. The present study indicates that the inclusion of GP-347, GP-1341, 300-B, ARM-244, ARM-248, HAR-5, 853-B, GP-913, GP-507 and GP-831 in future breeding programs could result in the development of superior sunflower cultivars. © 2003, by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston. All rights reserved.