Phenotypic tendency of achene yield and oil contents in sunflower hybrids

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe knowledge about heterosis breeding of achene yield in sunflower is known; however, dissection of the genetic components of achene yield and seed quality traits is limited. Therefore, the prescribe study was conducted using Line × Tester design to determine combining abilities, and about the maternal-and-paternal gene actions involved in achene yield and seed quality traits in 21 single cross hybrids. Significant mean differences for achene yield and seed quality traits were observed, with total attributed variation (R2 = 0.89). Principal component analysis (P < 0.05) explained 92.6% variation and using factor analysis, we found factor 1 had primary variables (AW, AL, AT, HD, PH, PC, LA and OC) contributed 35.6% variation to achene yield. Combining ability analysis showed the positive general combining ability for E%, HD, PH, 100 AW and AYP in parental inbred lines, whilst, hybrids had positive specific combining ability for E%, HD, PH, 100 AW, DTF, DTM, OA, LA, OC and AYP. Females contributed significantly higher (P < 0.05) for AYP, E%, HD, NWPH, PH, 100 AW, LA and OA than that of males. Two-way hierarchical clustering showed the most promising hybrid H5 (A-18 × G-79) in Cluster V. The hybrid H5 also showed heterosis, heterobeltosis and commercial heterosis, therefore, genetic exploitation of H5 is highly desirable in future breeding to map QTLs/genes in arid/semi-arid zones and /or similar growing conditions to boost up yield and seed quality traits.