Evaluation and selection sunflower hybrids for seed yield under different environmental conditions of Punjab

Abstract

Estimation of environmental effects are essential for selection of genotypes for general cultivation at various regions. With this aim a research trial was conducted during spring, 2021 to evaluate suitability and stability of eight sunflower hybrids developed by Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad (ORI, FSD), against two check hybrids at different locations in Punjab. The prime objective of this experimentation was to evaluate and classified sunflower hybrids by multivariate method of principal component analysis (PCA) using the GGE biplot software for their yield. Statistix 8.1 was used to analyze the recorded data and GGE biplot was used for Principal Component Analysis and pictorial demonstration of data. Analysis of variance showed presence of significant variation between hybrids, environments and their interaction. Sunflower hybrid FH-555 showed highest mean yield in Punjab followed by FH-741. The first two principal components present 76% of the total variation. Results indicated that the hybrid FH-740 and FH-751 are best suitable for Multan, hybrid FH-741 and FH-732 for Muzaffargarh, FH-555 for RajanPur, Hysun-33, FH-331, FH-675, FH-648 and S-278 for Faisalabad region. The hybrid FH-741 is highly stable hybrid in yield performance across the environments. The case of this hybrid (FH-741) was submitted in Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) and got approval for general cultivation in whole Pakistan during 2022. Again the case was submitted in Punjab Seed Council (PSC) and got approval for general cultivation in Punjab during 2023. Keywords: Genetic variability, micro yield trial, stability, seed yield, statistix 8.1.