The general and specific combining abilities among 20 cytoplasmic male sterile inbred lines and four testers were estimated in order to study the poten tial of these materials in a sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) breeding program. Test cross progenies were evaluated in three environments. Plant height, days to 50% flowering, 1000-kernel weight, seed oil content and grain yield were evaluated. Seed oil content, plant height and 1000-kernel weight presented the largest proportional contribution of cms inbred lines and testers, indicating the predominant role of the additive component for these traits. On the other hand, line × tester interaction exhibited the greatest contribution to grain yield suggesting the presence of non-additive genetic effects. The testers showed capacity to discriminate within the set of inbred lines.