The most important criterion for introducing new confectionary sunflower
hybrids into production is high protein yield. In the breeding process it is
important to identify traits which could be used as selection criteria for
increased kernel protein content. Increase of kernel protein content results
in increased protein yield. This research was conducted during three
vegetation seasons on 22 NS high-protein two-line confectionary sunflower
hybrids produced within the breeding program at IFVCNS, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Strong and very strong correlations were found among the largest number of
examined traits. Based on the analysis of simple correlation coefficients,
strong negative correlation was determined between kernel protein content and
kernel ratio (-0.516*). A weak negative interdependence was determined
between head diameter, seed protein content, and kernel protein content.
Positive but weak correlation was determined between kernel protein content
and thickness of seed, length of seed, width of seed, and 1000 seed weight.
Path coefficient analysis for kernel protein content at phenotypic level
showed that the thickness of seed had a strong positive direct effect on
kernel protein content (DE=382*). Kernel ratio and width of seed had a very
strong direct negative effect on kernel protein content (DE=-0.990**;
DE=0.600**). A weak direct positive effect of head diameter, seed protein
content and length of seed was established, whereas 1000 seed weight had a
weak direct negative effect on kernel protein content. Path coefficient
analysis indicates showed that the thickness of seed has high great influence
on kernel protein content, and an important selection criterion for breeding
for high protein yield.