Study Of Gene Action in the Population of Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.)

Gene action for seed yield, its components and oil content was studied in an improved sunflower population following NCM II design. The estimates of dominance genetic variance were significant for all the traits except days to maturity and final plant height. The additive genetic variance was significant only for flowering time plant height and final plant height. There was preponderance of dominance genetic variance component and dominance ratio being greater than one showed overdominance for all the traits except flowering time plant height and final plant height. The estimates of narrow sense heritability were high for flowering time plant height and final plant height whereas, moderate for rest of the traits. The results suggest that it is better to use the population as base material for development of inbreds and production of superior hybrids.