Correlation and path coefficient analysis for seed yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Sunil D. Tyagi¹, and Mudasir H. Khan^2*

¹Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics Kisan (PG) College, Simbhaoli, Ghaziabad (UP) -245207, India.

^2*Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, ICAR, Srinagar, (J&K) – 190007, India.

Accepted 22 July 2013

An attempt was made to analyze the association between seed yield and related components in sunflower by the method of correlation and path coefficients using 22 diverse genotypes. A slight increase of genotypic correlation coefficients over phenotypic correlation coefficient was noticed for all the character combinations. Most of the characters examined except days to 50 % flowering, percent 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 per head were inter-correlated among themselves, selection for these traits can result in increased seed yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that among all the traits studied, stem diameter at mid night and head weight contributed the 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.

Key words: Helianthus annuuss, genetic improvement, characters association, seed production.

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