Genetic analysis and pyramiding achene yield and oil contents related traits in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Abstract

Over the years, the cultivation of sunflower has emerged as a popular cash crop and the area under it has increased during the last decade in Pakistan because of its profitability than other competing crops. Besides, this crop needs little water, while its harvesting time is short and it can easily be cultivated between two major crops. The present study was conducted to improve the genetic potential of sunflower accessions for achene yield, achene weight and oil contents percentage. The breeding material consisted of more than 200 sunflower accessions out of which 9 were selected and brought into the process of pyramiding (a method aimed at assembling multiple desirable genes from multiple parents into a single genotype) to combine the above mentioned traits into one genotype through breeding. Some cross combinations were obtained following Line × Tester scheme which were pretty better showing significant positive correlations and direct and indirect effects among the morphological and quality traits. This will definitely cause a major cut to the import bill of edible oil in Pakistan which valued at Rs. 153.3 billion (US$ 1.595 billion) during the year 2012-13. Valuable information regarding gene action, combining ability, heterosis, genetic variability, heritability, genotypic correlations, phenotypic correlations and direct and indirect effects through path-coefficient analysis were generated.