Efficiency of the first cycle of recurrent selection of sunflower based on morphotype

The characteristics of the main morphometric traits of several sunflower varieties and hybrids are determined. These characteristics form attractive habitus and provide the commercial value of these varieties and hybrids as the seed market’s goods. The sunflower varieties and hybrids possessing the maximum and minimum indicators of inclination’s degree and plants inclination were determined. The sunflower varieties (SUR, R-453, Borodinsky) and hybrids (NK Brio, NK Delfi) having the increased plants fragility were determined. The development phase of sunflower plants was determined; it suits the most for carrying out selections according to the type of head attachment and plants inclination: it’s the 22d day of flowering of the variety SUR; the 16-20 th day of flowering of the variety Oreshek and the 17-20 th day of flowering of the variety MSG. Preliminary results of recurrent plant selection according to morphotype are given as a method of improvement of design and esthetic qualities of sunflower varieties and populations without deterioration of their agronomic characters. As a result of the first cycle of recurrent selection the degree of plants inclination has been stabilized providing the decrease of this indicator by 5.7-11.0 %. Simultaneously, the decrease of plants inclination by 11-20 cm was achieved. Sunflower varieties had increased essentially in quantity of plants with desired traits without losing their productivity level.