Heterotic studies for yield and its component traits in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Fifty four hybrids were obtained by crossing six cytoplasmic male sterile lines and nine testers in Line x Tester fashion during rabi 2016-17. These fifty four hybrids along with their parents and two standard checks DRSH-1 and PDKVSH-952 were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications at Oilseeds Research Unit, Dr. PDKV, Akola during kharif 2017. The highest desirable significant average heterosis for seed yield per plant was exhibited by cross HA-303A x AK-1R (134.91%) followed by AKSF-14-2A x AK-1R (117.75%). The highest significant heterobeltiosis for seed yield per plant was recorded by AKSF-14-2A x AK-1R (90.32%) followed by HA-303A x AK-1R (77.64%). The highest standard heterosis for seed yield per plant over best check i.e. PDKVSH-952 (seed yield – 36.18g) was recorded by the cross HA-303A x AK-1R (22.46%) followed by HA-303A x RHA-138-2R (20.54%), HA-303A x EC-512687 (20.22%) and HA-249A x 856R (18.62%). The highest standard heterosis for oil content over best check i.e. DRSH-1 (oil content – 38.51%), was recorded by cross HA-228A x EC-601951 (3.36) followed by HA-303A x GMU-116 (3.15) and HA-228A x EC-512687 (2.93).