Estimation of combining ability and gene action in some agronomic traits in sunflower lines

In order to production of new hybrids and study of combining ability in some sunflower inbred and restorer lines, 32 sunflower hybrids derived from crossing between 4 restorer lines and 8 CMS lines were evaluated in 2012-2013 cropping season in Agricultural Research Station of Islamabsd-e-Gharb. Results showed that hybrids CMS19×R217, CMS1221/1×R137 and CMS19×R137 had the highest seed yield with 7008, 5545 and 5526 kg/ha, respectively. Hybrid farokh (check) with 5412 kg/ha located in forth rank. Variance analysis of combining ability showed that CMS lines and Interaction effect between restorer and CMS lines were statistically significant for grain yield. Restorers R137 and R864 along with CMS19 had the highest positive general combining ability for grain yield. The highest specific combining ability of grain yield belonged to hybrids CMS19×R217 and CMS 456/2× R217.Results showed that restorer lines had a great contribution in genetic control of some important agronomic traits such as 1000 kernel weight and head diameter. For oil yield, CMS and restorer effects were statistically significant but Interaction effect between restorer and CMS lines was not significant. Similar to grain yield, Restorer R864 and CMS19 had the highest positive general combining ability for oil yield. The hybrid CMS6030×RN-3 had the highest specific combining ability for oil yield. Generally, results showed markedly role of additive effects in control of evaluated traits.