STRATIFIED MASS SELECTION FOR OIL CONTENT IN SUNFLOWER

Abstract

ln the semiarid highlands of Mexico the climatic conditions limit crop production. Sunflower trials carried out at different lacations in the North-Central part of Mexico have shown that the variety Cernianka has good and stable seed yields. Mass selection was started on this variety at "Los Llanos de Durango" in 1978 to increase oil content and seed yield. Oil content was increased by 0.94 after two selection cycles. Selection to improve oil content brought about changes in seed test weight, flowering time and plant height. A positive correlation of oil content with seed test weight and seed yield was found. Seed yield and head diameter were also correlated. These results suggest that it may be possible to improve oil content and seed yield when selecting for seed test weight and head diameter.