Heterosis and Combining Ability Analysis in Sunflower Through Line × Tester Breeding Scheme

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is considered a superior oil seed crop due to its high oil and protein content. Due to their cross-pollinated mode, its hybrids are very popular. Several crosses were evaluated for their oil and yield-related traits. To achieve this goal, seven parent genotypes were collected, including four female and three male parents each. Three repetitions of the Randomized Complete Block Design were used to evaluate twelve crosses and seven parental lines. The following traits were measured at maturity: days to flower initiation, days to 100% flowering, head diameter, plant height, leaf area, and 100 achene weight. To find the significance of parents, crosses, and general and specific combinations, data were analyzed using line x-tester analysis. The parents A-10, A-20, and R-70 performed well for days to 100% flowering, whereas A-30 and A-40 performed well for leaf area and head diameter. In terms of days to flower initiation, the hybrids A-30 x R-74 and A-40 x R-72 displayed negative and significant heterosis compared to the mid-parent, better parent, and standard. Crosses A-20 x R-70 and A-30 x R-74 functioned exceptionally well for 100 achene weight. The best-performing crosses were selected for further use in breeding programs.