Single marker analysis in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

In sunflower marker-trait association were studied for nine yield and yield component traits using 30 SSR markers with a set of 21 CMS lines of sunflower genotypes. Association of mean performance of hybrids and gca effects of parents with corresponding marker score were assessed single marker analysis by using simple linear regression. A total of 16 markers gave significant association with at least one of the nine traits studied. Most of the markers were found to be related to more than one trait. The markers ORS388 and ORS852 were found to be associated with three traits each. Some of the markers were found related to only one trait. It was also observed that the same marker ORS811 was found related to days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, volume weight per 100 ml, oil content as well as seed yield. This indicates that the same gene is controlling the expression of these characters. Moreover, phenotypically these characters have more association with each other. Hence these markers may be useful for marker assisted breeding programme.