Combining-groups in cultivated sunflower populations (Helianthus annuus L.) and their relationships with the country of origin

Using four tester lines an analysis of combining abilities for seed yield, seed moisture content and seed oil content was performed on 39 cultivated sunflower populations originating from ten countries. A between-populations structure based on specific combining abilities (SCA) was designed, defining separate combining-groups for each of the four testers. This structure corresponds to the country in which the populations originated.