Genetic variability studies for yield and its component traits in newly developed sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) hybrids

The present study was conducted in order to estimate the genetic variability and variability parameters among the parental lines and crosses for 18 characters in sunflower. The investigation was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal during rabi, 2018–19, in a Randomized block design with two replications. ANOVA studies reported highly significant differences for all the traits. High GCV and PCV recorded for oil yield, leaf area index, seed yield, autogamy per cent, number of seeds per head and specific leaf area indicating more variability of these traits and less influence of environment. High heritability and genetic advance noted for the traits viz., leaf area index, plant height, specific leaf area, the number of leaves per plant, oil yield, seed set per cent, seed yield, 100 seed weight, the number of seeds per head, head diameter and autogamy per cent indicates these traits were governed by additive gene action and selection will be rewarding for the crop improvement. The traits days to 50 per cent flowering, oil content, volume weight, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading and hull content reported high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance indicating the role of both additive and non-additive gene action and population improvement by reciprocal recurrent selection can be useful.