Characterization and Evaluation of New Sunflower Genotypes

The current investigation was planned to characterize the sunflower accessions based on DUS descriptors and to determine the level of genetic variability for sunflower genotypes. Thirty-three sunflower genotypes including checks were morphologically characterized using Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV& FRA) and other descriptors during rabi2021-22 at the department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the sunflower genotypes, suggesting genotypes had enough variability. Various morphological characters were studies which showed good extent of variation among genotypes. Large variation was recorded for strip colour and for ray floret colour differentiation which can utilize to identify the genotype at seed stage and at flowering stage and may serve as morphological markers to identify the accessions. Genotypes with black colored seedviz., GMU-837, GMU-934, GMU-78, and GMU-55 can be utilized for the development of breeding material and populations. All of the characteristics under study recorded larger phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), which implies that environmental influence was more in their expression. High heritability along with genetic advance was observed for by plant height and days to maturity, which indicates selection of these traits at early generation would be effective.