The general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA, respectively) among two cytoplasmic male sterile lines (mother) and a set of seven S4 restorer lines (father), were estimated in order to study the potential of these materials in a sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) breeding program. Griffing's method IV analysis was adapted and used for analysis of the hybrids. Considering the effects of GCA for achene yield and achene oil content, the best parents were CMS HA 302 (line from a north-american population) as mother and 89V2345)3382 and 89V2345)3311 (lines from population V2000, obtained by selection on the population Issanka, carried from France) as fathers in the crosses. For achene yield, the non additive gene effects were important for determining the differences among parents. Taking into account the additive and non additive gene effects the best hybrid combinations were CMS HA 302 x 89V2396)5333 for achene yield and CMS HA 30379NW22 x 89V2345)3382 for oil content and oil yield.
Helianthus annuus; general combining ability; specific combining ability; diallel cross analysis
