Determination of the Best Indirect Selection Criteria for Genetic Improvement of Seed Yield in Sunfl ower (Helianthus annus L.) Genotypes

Correlation and path coeffi cient analyses were studied on three diverse genotypes of sunfl ower in order to understand the relationship and contribution on eight characters towards the seed yield. Th e seed yield exhibits highly signifi cant and positive correlation with plant height, oil yield and total number of seeds per head. Days to full fl owering and head diameter showed signifi cant and negative relation with seed yield. Path coeffi cient analysis revealed that total number of seeds per head had the highest and positive direct eff ect on seed yield. On the other hand, days to full fl owering and head diameter showed the highest and negative direct eff ect on seed yield. Hence, the study revealed the importance of total number of seeds per head, days to full fl owering and head diameter as indirect selection criteria for genetic improvement of seed yield in sunfl ower breeding programs especially in early generations.