CORRElATION AND PATH ANALYSIS IN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

Twenty nine sunflower genotypes were evaluated to study the association between characters through correlation and path analysis. The correlation study revealed that seed yield/plant had significant positive correlation with head diameter followed by plant height. The path analysis indicated that the characters plant height and head diameter had high and medium positive direct effect on seed yield respectively. Hence plant height and head diameter can be taken as selection indices for sunflower crop improvement programme. Non association of seed characters and oil content (seed and kernel) indicated the possibility of selection for non-oilseed or confectionery types.