The general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities among eight cytoplasmic male sterile lines and six restorers as testers were estimated using line ×tester method to assess the potential of the materials in the sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) breeding program. Test cross progenies along with their parents were evaluated in two sowing dates. Both lines and testers had significant differences for all the traits except seeds per head. The lines: LA2 and LA7 were superior combiners with significant positive general combining ability (GCA) effects for seed yield and most of the yield components. Among the testers: RF1 and RF6 were good combiners for seed yield. Most of the lines and testers with significant positive GCA effects for seed yield had significant positive GCA effect for oil yield. LA7×RF6 had significant positive specific combining ability (SCA) effects for seed width seed yield and oil yield. The crosses LA4×RF1 and LA7×RF6 had significant SCA effects for seed yield and oil yield. Estimating degree of dominance more than one for all the traits except seeds per head and percentage of kernel indicate the importance of non additive genetic effects for them; therefore for improving these traits hybrid breeding will be more effective.