Exploring Sunflower Genetic Potential: Insights from Combining Ability Analysis through Lines × Tester Analysis and DNA-based Hybrid Authentication

Abstract

The study used the RCBD approach with three replications, L×T design was used where restorer and CMS lines were crossed and sample data from five plants with three replications were collected. Seeds of the resulting hybrids were saved for the following growing season. Statistical analysis was used to examine the differences between parents and crosses, and heterosis and combining ability were used to assess the best-performing combination. Maximum mean performance was shown by lines T3 for plant height, T4 for head diameter, T-3 and T-1 for leaf number, and T1 for 100 achene weights. Line T-3 had maximum GCA performance for all the characters and was the best to study further. For leaf area T-3×B-1, for number of whorls of achene per head T1×B1 cross showed significant SCA effects. T-3×B-3 showed maximum positive SCA value for No. of leaves/plants in testers. T-4×B-4 showed a non-significant effect for intermodal length. For achene yield, almost all combinations exhibited a significant SCA. Hybrid with RAPD L4 primer authentication was done with one line and one tester. The bands of the parents were seen in hybrid.