Study on Genetic Diversity in 45 Elite Sunflower Inbred Lines (Helianthus annuus L.)

The present investigation aimed to study the genetic diversity of 45 sunflower inbred lines to identify genetically distinct parents for hybridization, facilitating the development of high yielding hybrid cultivars. The field experiment was carried out during the Rabi 2023-2024 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, India. Findings revealed significant differences among inbred lines for the studied traits. The inbred lines were grouped into six clusters using Tocher’s method. Cluster I is the largest cluster with 34 inbred lines. Maximum intra cluster distance of 15.17 is associated with cluster I whereas maximum inter cluster distance of 79.75 is found between cluster II and cluster V. Cluster VI recorded maximum means for six traits. Among the studied traits, seed yield (g/plant) (50.81) contributed maximum towards total diversity. Based on the significant genetic diversity observed among the 45 sunflower inbred lines, the study successfully identified genetically distinct parental genotypes for hybridization. This provides a foundation for developing superior hybrid cultivars with enhanced seed yield potential.