Genetic variability and selection criteria of some sunflower genotypes under different pollination methods

Abstract

To determinate self-compatible genotypes for increasing autogamy yielded, the ten sunflower genotypes were sown under four pollination methods i.e., open-, self-, hand- and sib-pollinations in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice at Kafr-El-Hamam Agricultural research Station, Sharkia Governorate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt during 2018 and 2019 summer seasons. Significant variation existed for different pollination treatments, genotypes and their interactions for all studied traits. Among the treatments, open pollination followed by sibbing one was regarded as the best pollination treatment for head diameter, number of filled seeds per head, percentage of seed setting , kernel to hull ratio, seed mass per plant, seed yield per fed and seed oil content. Autogamy studies revealed that ‘L120’ followed by ‘L92’ and ‘L880’ recorded higher proportion of autogamy and self-compatibility. Preferred improvement of seed mass per plant may be achieved through selecting genotypes having the largest head diameter, bigger number of filled seeds per head, the highest proportion of seed setting and the heaviest seed, kernel and hull mass as proven by high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance (as % of mean) as well as correlation and path analyses at both phenotypic and genotypic levels.