Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of the Components of Yield in Sunflower Cultivars (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract

Genetic variability, character association and path analysis between seed yield and its contributing traits were studied
in 22 genotypes of sunflower. Highly significant differences between genotypes were recorded for all the characters
studied. A slight increase of genotypic correlation coefficients over phenotypic correlation coefficient was noticed
for all the character combinations. All the examined characteristics except days to 50% flowering, % 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/head are intercorrelated among themselves, selection for these
traits will result in increased seed yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that among all the traits studied, stem
diameter at mid height and head weight contributed 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