Three sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) open-pollinated varieties and one hybrid were tested in two selection cycles during 1986 and 1987. The produced populations were evaluated in 1988 in an experiment planted in the "Altiplano potosino" semiarid north central zone of México. ATOVofromeach population was selected on the following aspects: head diameter, plant height (1.40-1.60 m), black color of the seed, absence of branches with head, and disease and pest freedom. Selection was made on the basis of the best adjusted weight using the following formula: Y: Xg + (Pp-Xp). Based on the agronomic characteristics and yield components evaluated, the five best yields were found in the following genetic materials: TECMON 3 original, TECMON 3 2nd. cycle, TECMON 3 2nd. rycle, Victoria variety and D0-725 original hybrid, with the yields of about 2.252,2.577 ,2.261,2.302 and 2.583 tlha, respectively. At the same time, they were the genetic materials with the best oil content, ranging from 35.75Vo to 44.73Vo.