Character Association and Path Analysis in Confectionery Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Germplasm Urs K. L. Girishraj1, Uma M. S.2 1Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, GKVK, UAS-Bengaluru, 560065-India, (M. Sc. Agriculture) 2Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, V.C. Farm, Mandya, 571404-India, (Professor and Head) email: me.kl1202.gr@gmail.com Online published on 2 January, 2017. Abstract This study was conducted using 49 diverse genotypes of confectionery sunflower at the main research station, Hebbal, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, during summer 2013. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variability, heritability correlations and path analysis for different traits were studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was found higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. High heritability estimates were observed for all the estimated traits. High expected genetic advance as per cent meanwas demonstrated by seed yield per plant, plant height, head diameter, 100 seed weight, 100 kernel weight, protein content and hull content making these characters valuable to breeders. Days to 50% flowering, plant height, head diameter, seed filling per cent, 100 seed weight and 100 kernel weight showed significant and positive relationships with seed yield per plant at genotypic level. Among these characters head diameter recorded maximum direct effect on seed yield per plant whereas all other characters recorded low direct effect. Plant height recorded maximum indirect effect on seed yield per plant through head diameter. The results of the study revealed thatthe head diameter wouldbe given emphasis forisolation of desirable ones, with high genetic potential for seed yield. Top Keywords Confectionery sunflower germplasm, Genetic variability, Correlation studies, Path analysis. Top |