Correlation and path analysis of yield and yield components of confectionary sunflower

Path coefficient analysis was applied to gain information on direct and indirect effects of studied traits (seed oil content, kernel oil content, seed protein content, kernel protein content, head diameter, kernel ratio and plant height) on sunflower seed yield. Traits which exhibit the highest effects on seed yield will be used as a selection criterion in confectionary sunflower breeding. The research was conducted during three vegetation seasons on 22 experimental confectionary sunflower hybrids, created in breeding program the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops. Among the largest number of examined traits, significant and highly significant correlations were found. With the analysis of simple correlation coefficients a low interdependence was determined between, kernel protein content, plant heights with seed yield. Negative but weak correlation was determined between kernel oil content, seed protein content, kernel ratio with seed yield. Established a negative strong correlation of head diameter (-0.190*) and negative very strong correlation of seed oil content (-0.351**) with seed yield. The seed oil content had a very strong direct negative effect on seed yield (DE=-0.831**). The head diameter, plant height, seed protein content had weak negative direct effect on seed yield. Kernel protein content and kernel oil content has demonstrated a weak direct positive effect on seed yield. Path coefficient analysis for seed yield showed very strong direct effect for kernel ratio (DE=0.487*) on seed yield, it shows that the kernel ratio is important selection criterion for confectionary sunflower breeding. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 31025: Development of new varieties and production technology improvement of oil crops for different purposes]