Heterosis and inbreeding depression for yield and oil traits of sunflower genotypes under water stress conditions

Abstract

The mean squares from analysis indicated significant differences was observed between treatments, inbred parents, F1 hybrids and F2 progenies for agronomic, oil and protein traits. The noteworthy variances between parents vs. hybrids indicated the importance of heterosis breeding. heterotic effects were found as potential hybrids for earliness, seed yield, oil and protein content in both the environments. The hybrids such as Thatta × UC-666, Mehran × Peshawar-93 and HO.1 × B-2 which have articulated high hybrid vigor in F1s for majority of the traits in normal and adverse conditions may be recommended for further commercial exploitation. The F2 progenies manifested high inbreeding depression for phenological traits and plant height signified that earlier maturing and dwarf plants resistant to lodging can achieved from filial generations.