Correlations and path analysis of yield components in synthetic varieties of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.)

This study was made in order to determine the correlations between seed yield and some yield components, and the direct and indirect effects of these characters on seed yield in sunflower. Four experimental synthetic varieties (Syn 1s), their parental mixtures (Syn Os) and two standard varieties (open pollinated: Vniimk 8931, and commercial hybrid: Sunbred-281) were evaluated in replicated field trials under Turkish conditions in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Agronomic characteristics such as plant height, head diameter, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and seed yield were observed for correlations and path coefficient analysis.According to the results, seed yield gave significant positive correlations with plant height, head diameter, number of seeds per head and 1000-seed weight. The highest positive correlation was observed between seed yield and number of seeds per head (r=0.890**). Path analysis indicated that the number of seeds per head gave the greatest direct effect (+0.7269) on seed yield, followed by 1000-seed weight (+0.3215) and head diameter (+0.1689). The percentage of direct effects on seed yield was 80.8%, 50.6% and 24.0% for number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and head diameter, respectively.