Combining ability and heterosis studies with diverse cytoplasmic male sterility sources in sunflower

Abstract

An investigation was taken up to determine the extent of heterosis and combining ability with respect to twelve characters utilizing 96 genotypes consisting 77 hybrids, 7 lines (representing three cytoplasmic male sterility sources PET-1, CMS-I and CMS-PEF), 11 testers and one standard check, MSFH-17. Non-additive type of gene action was found prominent in the expression of seed yield and yield components. The study revealed that the parental lines ARM 243B, R-856 and R-297 were adjudged as good general combiners and IMS-852A x R-856 and PF-400A x R-273 as good specific combiners for seed yield per plant, oil content, oil yield per plant and most of the yield contributing traits. The hybrids ARM 243A x R 272-1 for seed yield (39.03%), IMS-852A x R-856 for oil content (16.25%), and ARM 243A x R 272-1 and PF-400A x R-273 for oil yield registered high standard heterosis. Of the top ten hybrids noted, seven had PET-1, two had CMS-I and remaining one had CMS-PEF cytoplasmic male sterility source. Suggesting that besides PET-1 source, other sources viz., CMS-I and CMS-PEF used in the present investigation were equally efficient in expressing their fullest potential of yield and yield contributing characters.