Modificational variability of valuable for breeding traits of seeds of large-seeded sunflower hybrids

In recent years, there has been an annual increase in the production of sunflower seeds of confectionery type in the Russian Federation. Now, large-seeded confectionery varieties are widely produced, while large-seeded hybrids of Russian breeding are practically absent in production. For producers, the main trait of confectionery seeds is their size, therefore, linear sizes, and the 1000 seeds weight should be studied along with yield. Important modificational factors in the formation of a high yield and quality of seeds are both the weather conditions of the year and plant populations determining the area of nutrition and illumination in crops. These factors influenced variously on the main valuable for breeding traits of seeds of the experimental confectionary sunflower hybrids. We proved that the variability of the trait 1000 seeds weight is conditioned by abiotic environmental factors by 95%, the length of the seeds -by 40%, the width of the seeds - by 33%, thickness -by 19%. At the same time, the conditions of the year did not have a significant effect on the oil content and huskiness of the seeds. The plant populations had a strong effect on the 1000 seeds weight, and oil content but a low impact on the linear sizes (length and width) of the seeds. The length, width and thickness of the seeds of the experimental hybrids are largely determined by a genotypic component (54-68%).