Heterosis and combing ability studies for yield and yield component traits in sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Major improvement in sunflower breeding requires heterotic hybrids which can be achieved by tapping combining ability of F1 hybrids developed from crossing of two genetically diverse female lines with male testers. In the present study, 56 hybrids were evaluated derived from four lines and fourteen testers’ crosses in a line × tester mating design. The analysis of variance revealed existence of highly significant differences (p=0.05) among genotypes, parents and parents vs crosses indicating the presence of heterosis for quantitative traits in sunflower.