The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters, heritability, heterosis and genetic advance from selection
of yield and its components, which can provide basis for the exploitation of valuable hybrid combination of sunflower.
Half diallel crosses were made among five parental genotypes of sunflower, then F2 and F3 generations of these crosses
were grown during 2015 and 2016 seasons respectively, at Bahteem Agricultural, Research Station. Selection was
practiced in F2 on the bases of 50% flowering date, seed yield per plant and seed oil content. A total of 153 F3 families
were evaluated in a replicated trial in 2016 season at Bhateem. Genetic variability, heritability, phenotypic and genotypic
coefficients of variation, and genetic advance from selection were estimated. Significant difference was observed among
parents and F3 families for most studied traits. Broad sense heritability estimates in F3 ranged from 1.00 to 73.00%. High
heritability coupled with high genetic advance from selection was recorded for seed yield per fad., seed yield per plant,
plant height and physiological maturity. Hence, selection for these traits is expected to be effective. There was a positive
and significant genotypic correlation between seed yield per plant and seed oil percentage, indicating the possibility of
increasing oil content with high seed yield per plant. Path analysis showed that 50% flowering date and head diameter
could be used as a good selection criterion for improving seed yield in sunflower