Genetic Innovation in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Exploring Combining Ability and Heterosis Revealed by Line × Tester Analysis.

Tehreem Mariam; Saima  Bibi; Sehar Nawaz; Nazar Hussain  Khan; Sidra Naheed; Zulaikha  Aman; Muhammad Ahsan Iqbal

Genetic Innovation in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Exploring Combining Ability and Heterosis Revealed by Line × Tester Analysis.

Authors

Tehreem Mariam MSc (HONS.) student, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
Saima Bibi M.SC.(HONS.) student, Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
Sehar Nawaz Lecturer, Center for Agriculture Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Nazar Hussain Khan Lecturer, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Sidra Naheed M.SC.(HONS.) student, Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
Zulaikha Aman MSc (HONS.) student, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
Muhammad Ahsan Iqbal Associate professor, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Keywords:

Helianthus annuus L, , General Combining Ability, Specific Combining Ability, Better parent heterosis, Testers (male), Lines (female)

Abstract

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a globally significant oilseed crop valued for its high-quality oil content. This study, conducted at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, aimed to assess the genetic potential of sunflower hybrids through combining ability analysis. The experiment spanned two growing seasons, Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024, involving four female lines (A-39, A-42, A-45, and A-47) and three male testers (B-31, B-33, and B-34). Data were collected for eight yield-related traits: plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, internodal length, stem diameter, head diameter, seed yield per plant, and 100-achene weight. The results highlighted the significant genetic contributions of lines and crosses, with A-42 emerging as an excellent general combiner (GCA) for traits like internodal length (-0.93*), stem diameter (-0.34**), seed yield (6.64**), and 100-achene weight (-0.21**). Similarly, A-39 and A-47 exhibited strong combining abilities for key traits, including seed yield and head diameter. Among testers, B-34 demonstrated pronounced additive gene effects, particularly for plant height (2.92**), head diameter (-0.4**), and seed yield (-3.94**). Specific combining ability (SCA) analysis revealed superior cross combinations, such as A-39 × B-33 for seed yield (7.19**) and A-45 × B-33 for head diameter (-1.98**). Crosses also showed prominent substantial better parent heterosis across all traits. Overall, the study identifies A-42, A-45, and A-39 as promising candidates for advancing sunflower breeding programs focused on yield improvement. By following superior lines, testers, and cross combinations, can develop high-yielding, stress-tolerant hybrids with improved oil content. The identified genotypes can serve as a foundation for exploring adaptability under diverse environmental conditions, ensuring sustainable sunflower production in the face of climate variability.

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Genetic Innovation in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Exploring Combining Ability and Heterosis Revealed by Line × Tester Analysis.