Combining ability studies in diverse CMS sources in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Combining ability studies were made in sunflower using line x tester analysis with seven diverse CMS lines (representing three cytoplasmic sources) and eleven testers. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes i.e., parents and hybrids. Non- additive type of gene action was found important for expression of all the characters studied. Among the lines, ARM 243B was found to be good general combiner for seed yield, oil content, oil yield, head diameter, number of filled seeds per head and 100 seed weight. R 272-1 and R-17 were good male parents for seed yield and oil yield. The cross combination PF-400A x P-356R was found to be promising for most of the characters such as seed yield, oil yield, early maturity, head diameter, stem diameter, number of filed seeds per head, seed filling per cent and 100 seed weight. Besides PET-1 source, other sources viz., CMS PEF and CMS I used in the present investigation were equally efficient in expressing their fullest potential of yield and yield contributing characters.