Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of the Components of Yield in Sunflower Cultivars (Helianthus annuus L.)

Genetic variability, character association and path analysis between seed yield and its contributing traits were studied in 22 genotypes of sunflower. Highly significant differences between genotypes were recorded for all the characters studied. A slight increase of genotypic correlation coefficients over phenotypic correlation coefficient was noticed for all the character combinations. All the examined characteristics except days to 50% flowering, % filled seeds, 100-seed weight and oil content were significantly and positively associated with seed yield. Since, plant height, head diameter, head weight and number of seeds/head are intercorrelated among themselves, selection for these traits will result in increased seed yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that among all the traits studied, stem diameter at mid height and head weight contributed most directly to seed yield. All other yield contributing traits had sizeable influence on seed yield indirectly only through stem diameter at mid height and total head weight.