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Correlation and path coefficient analyses of different morphological traits in sunflower with achene yield

Ten accessions of sunflower were evaluated for achene yield components and plant descriptive traits. The
experiment was laid out following a randomized complete block design with three replications.
Observations were recorded on quantitative (days to 50% flowering, days to 50% maturity, plant height,
leaf area, number of leaves, head diameter, percent filled achenes, 100 achene weight, achene weight per
plant) and descriptive traits (Leaf shape, leaf habit, head angle, head shape, seed colour, seed stripes and
seed sizes). The data were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation and path coefficient analysis to
work out the genetic variability in the breeding material and association among various traits. Significant
differences among accessions indicated presence of genetic variability for all the quantitative traits
except number of leaves, head diameter and percent filled achenes. Head diameter ranged from 30.8-35
cm, percent filled achenes 0.93-0.96%, 100 achene weight 5.50-6.83g and achene weight per plant 37.07-
45.13g. All the plants of all accessions had semi-erect leaf habit, 90% plants had concave shaped head
with 180 degree angle. More than 85% plants had seeds with black colour and lateral stripes. Days to
50% maturity, leaf area and percent filled achenes had significant and positive genotypic correlations
with achene yield per plant and 100 achene weight. Days to 50% maturity had the maximum direct effect
on achene yield per plant followed by leaf area. Highest positive indirect effects were observed by head
diameter through percent filled achenes followed by plant height through head diameter. Indirect effects of
head diameter, leaf area and number of leaves on achene yield per plant were positive and high through
percent filled achenes. The results suggested that sunflower yield may be enhanced by improving head
diameter, 100 achene weight and percent filled achenes.