Variability of seeds within a head on morphomet-ric traits and seed productivity at the modern sunflower varieties

The data on variability of morphometric, biochemical and yield qualities of seeds within a head of the commercial sunflower OP varieties (SUR, Buzuluk, Borodinsky, Master, Jinn, Oreshek, Lakomka) are presented. Studying of morphometric, biochemical and yield qualities of seeds was conducted in VNIIMK (Krasnodar, Krasnodar region) in laboratory; there were used separately selected seeds from central and edge zones of a head. To characterize a seed form a scale of indexes was used (a ratio between length and width): 2.7 -high-stretch. Studying of genetic heterogeneity of seeds of oil and confectionary varieties showed non-equivalence of seeds on their linear sizes and seed productivity. Variation of length, width and thickness of seeds from sides to the center of a head in observed for all studied varieties. There is a variability of seed length (9.4-10.0 mm) and width (3.2-4.3 mm) at oil varieties. The seeds from the head center usually have high-stretch form, and on sides their form is ovate-prolonged. Seed length of confectionary varieties varies from 12.9 to 16 mm, and its width varies from 6.3 to 7.2 mm. Seeds have ovate-prolonged form in whole head. Compared to oil varieties, confectionary varieties seeds are less variable on morphometric traits within a head. A confectionary variety Jinn is differed with the largest seed size. 1000 seeds weight from the central zone of a head is 150 g, and from the edge zone - 168 g. Oil content of absolutely dry seeds of oil and confectionary varieties does not depend on its placing in a head. Seeds amount and seeds weight depend on a variety, part of a head and cultivation conditions. The seeds from the various zones of a head do not differ with yield qualities in progenies. Influence of year conditions and variety genotype on seed productivity and morphometric traits of seeds in a head (except their form) was proved reliably.