Genetic divergence in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Abstract

Genetic divergence was studied for yield component traits for forty eight sunflower genotypes. The analysis of variance revealed presence significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Based on genetic distance all the forty eight genotypes were grouped under eleven different clusters. The mode of distribution of genotypes from different eco- regions into various clusters was at random indicating that geographical diversity and genetic diversity were not related. The characters like oil content followed by filled seeds per head, 100 seed weight, seeds per head, leaf area, head diameter and stem girth contributed maximum towards genetic diversity. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster VI and X. Selection of genotypes in these clusters which may serve as potential donors for future hybridization programmes to develop potential recombinants with high yield.