Abstract

Correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied in twenty four diverse genotypes of sunflower in order to understand the relationship and contribution on eight characters towards the grain yield. The yield kg per plant exhibits highly significant and positive correlation with number of seeds per head, head length in diameter and 1000-seed weight at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and head length in diameter had the highest and positive direct effect with yield kg per plant. Hence, the study revealed the importance of number of seeds per head, head length in diameter and 1000-seed weight as selection criteria for improvement of yield in sunflower.

Key words: Correlation, path coefficient, genotypes, Helianthus annuus, genetic interaction.