GENETIC ASSOCIATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS FOR BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN SUNFLOWER AT DIFFERENT SALINITY LEVELS

A. Rauf, F. A. Khan and M. Aslam

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

Corresponding Author: aslampbg@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Four levels of salinity (0dSm-1, 3dSm-1, 6dSm-1 and 9dSm-1) were used to evaluate twenty different sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) accessions. NaCl was used to generate these salinity levels whereas control contained tap water. Triplicated completely randomized design was followed. Data of 60 days old ten seedlings from each entry was recorded and analyzed. Correlation between different morphological and physiological parameters was estimated and path analysis was worked out. DSW showed positive and significant association at all the salinity levels, FRW at 0dSm-1, 3dSm-1 and 9dSm-1, DRW at 6dSm-1 and 9dSm-1 with biomass production. Negative and significant correlation was observed by K+/Na+ at 0dSm-1 and none of the trait showed negative and significant affiliation with biomass at 3dSm-1, 6dSm-1and 9dSm-1. SL and DSW put forth positive and direct effects on biomass production at all the salinity levels. FRW, Na+ and K+/Na+ exerted negative and direct effects on biomass at 0dSm-1 and 3dSm-1 whereas K+ and Mort at 6dSm-1 and 9dSm-1.
Key words: Sunflower, salinity, path coefficient analysis, physio-chemical evaluation