Understanding the Contribution of Yield Components in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) through Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a vital oilseed crop valued for its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic and oleic acids, which contribute to cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels. The present investigation aimed to evaluate 22 hybrids (20 experimental hybrids and 2 standard checks), along with their parental lines, to assess trait interrelationship and identify key attributes for enhancing seed yield. The study was conducted during the Kharif-2022 at the Oilseeds Research Station, Latur, VNMKV. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield exhibited significant and positive associations with plant height, test weight, head diameter, volume weight, and oil content, while hull content showed a negative correlation with seed yield. Path coefficient analysis indicated that plant height, head diameter, and volume weight showed the highest positive direct impact on seed yield. While test weight and head diameter exhibited strong and significant positive indirect effects on seed yield via plant height. In contrast, traits such as days to 50% flowering, volume weight, days to maturity, and oil content showed negative direct effects on seed yield at the genotypic level. At the phenotypic level, the test weight displayed a negative indirect effect on seed yield via days to 50% flowering and hull content. These findings suggest that the selection of traits like plant height, head diameter, test weight, and volume weight can improve the sunflower yield.