Variability Studies in Some Quantitative Characters in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus l.)

Twenty-two genotypes of sunfl ower were evaluated for sixteen different quantitative characters, revealed considerable amount of variability for all the characters. Variation at genotypic level was also quite high for most of the traits indicating sufficient scope for selection. The magnitude of GCV and PCV were comparatively higher for seed yield per plant leaf area, total weight of head and number of seeds per head as compared to other characters. The characters such as days to 50% fl owering and oil content were less affected by environment showing a close correspondence between GCV and PCV, while characters such as leaf area, total weight of head, seed yield/plant and head diameter of sterile area were the most effected. High heritability estimates with low genetic advance was observed for days to 50% fl owering implying less genetic gain if selected upon, while selection for seed yield per plant, leaf area, total weight of head and number of seeds per head possessing high GCV, moderate h² and high genetic advance as percent of mean in the material under study is expected to result in considerable genetic gains. Lowest values of GCV, h² and GA were observed for oil content, suggesting that this character can not be improved effectively by selection.