P.G. Suresha, Vikas Kulkarni, I. Shankergoud, M. R. Govindappa and R. Lokesha
Abstract
Seven CMS lines were crossed with seven testers in a L x T mating design to elucidate the information on the combining ability for seed yield, yield components and also to know the nature of gene action involved in inheritance of important traits in sunflower. Based on total positive and significant GCA scores, CMS lines CMS 2A and CMS 850A were the best general combiner for six characters and testers. R-GM-49 was having good general combiner for four characters. Considering the sca effects of the hybrids, top three hybrids CMS 2A X R2F01120 (B), CMS A4 x R-GM-69 and CMS 850A x R-GM-69 were good specific combiners for seed yield and other important traits in sunflower.