Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Vikas Kulkarni, Vijaykumar NG, Poornima T, Umesh MR and Meena HP

Abstract:
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the important oilseed crop, with comparatively narrow genetic base. To broaden the genetic base wild species have been used through wide hybridization. Generally wide hybridization comes with linkage drags which contribute several undesirable traits to cultivated species. In the present study, comparative analysis of backcross (BC₂F₃) and selfed (BC₁F₄) progenies was carried out to know the extent of variability in desirable direction created in both the generation derived from wide hybridization. Results revealed that traits such as days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, head diameter, test weight, seed yield per plant exhibited more variability in backcross progenies as compared to selfed progenies. Hence backcrossing is an effective tool in early generation to derive stable inbred lines rather than selfing done.