Achene Yield Research Articles

Evaluation of confectionary sunflower germplasm accessions and their derived hybrids

AbstractConfectionary sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has gained popularity due to its utilization in roasting as snacks, poultry, bird food, and bakery products. However, seed quality of confectionary sunflower differs from non-oil seed types. In the present study, 71 sunflower accessions were selected for the evaluation of seed quality traits. Significant genetic variability was observed for traits such as 100-seed mass and seed length, as indicated by high genotypic coefficients of variability. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed a positive association between 100-seed mass and seed size, protein content, and oleic acid content. Path coefficient analysis based on genotypic and phenotypic correlations suggested that accessions with high sugar content may be selected to develop superior germplasm for confectionary products. Biplot analysis was conducted to identify suitable accessions with favorable confectionary traits. Accessions ‘Hybrid 100’, ‘GOR101’, and ‘Odesskijj112’ exhibited high sugar content, while ‘Yawn’ demonstrated comparatively higher oleic acid content. Accessions ‘Vinimik 6931’ and ‘HA 305’ displayed high 100-seed mass, while seed length was greater in accessions ‘Comet’ and H. × multiflorous. Combining ability analysis were performed to assess the breeding value of accessions. ‘Comet’ exhibited the highest general combining ability (GCA) effects for seed yield per plant, head diameter and 100-achene mass; while ‘G.OR.104’ had positive GCA for achene yield per plant but negative combining ability for other traits. ‘Tenissiei’ displayed positive GCA for all traits. Among the testers, accession ‘Universal’ showed positive GCA for seed yield per plant, while ‘HA-292’ exhibited positive GCA for head diameter. The accessions with higher values for confectionary traits and positive general combining ability effects for yield related traits may be further exploited in confectionary sunflower breeding programs as parents.

Supplemental Sodium Nitroprusside and Spermidine Regulate Water Balance and Chlorophyll Pigments to Improve Sunflower Yield under Terminal Drought.

Drought is an inevitable environmental stress that drastically hampers the growth, productivity, and quality of food crops. Exogenous sodium nitroprusside and spermidine have decisive functions in the growth enhancement of plants; nevertheless, their specific role in mediating stress responses to improve drought tolerance in sunflowers at the reproductive stage (terminal drought) remains largely unknown. In the present study, we explored the positive effects of sodium nitroprusside and spermidine on physiological responses to increase in sunflower yield during periods of terminal drought. Initially, various doses (50, 100, 150, 200, 400 μM) for each sodium nitroprusside or spermidine were foliar sprayed to improve water content, chlorophylls, and biomass accumulation in sunflower seedlings under control (100% FC) and drought (60% FC) conditions. Optimized rates (100 μM for sodium nitroprusside) and (100 μM for spermidine) were further tested alone and in combination to assess drought tolerance potential and their ultimate impact on yield under drought stress. Drought exposure caused a marked reduction in relative water content (26%) and chlorophyll a (31%) and b (35%) contents; however, sodium nitroprusside and spermidine at 100 μM significantly improved the growth of sunflower (13%). Furthermore, combined use of sodium nitroprusside and spermidine at 100 + 100 μM markedly improved the achenes per head (16%), 1000-achene weight (14%), and ultimately grain (28%) and oil (21%) yields of sunflowers under drought stress. A strong association was found between the 1000-achene weight and the achene yield of sunflower. Hence, combined sodium nitroprusside and spermidine upregulate water balance and chlorophyll contents to increase sunflower yield under terminal drought.

Exogenous Application of β-aminobutyric Acid Improved Water Relations, Membrane Stability Index, and Achene Yield in Sunflower Hybrids Under Terminal Drought Stress

Exogenous Application of β-aminobutyric Acid Improved Water Relations, Membrane Stability Index, and Achene Yield in Sunflower Hybrids Under Terminal Drought Stress

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) INFLUENCED BY VARIOUS FERTIGATION AND BED PLANTING TECHNIQUES

Low nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency and high losses of nitrogen are the critical challenges being faced by sunflower grower. To address these concerns, an experiment was carried out during spring 2021 at the Agronomic research area of the Agriculture University, Faisalabad. The randomized complete block design experiment was used with three replications under split plot arrangement. The 5m x 3m net plot size was kept with sowing procedures retained in the main plot and nitrogen application techniques kept in the sub plot. The experiment was planted on 20-02-2021. The matured crop was reaped on 18 June, 2021 manually. The single row hand drill was used to sow sunflower crop. The 75 cm line to line and 25 cm plant to plant distance was maintained. The results indicated that plant population ranged from 73 to 74 with maximum plant height of 174.33 cm, stem diameter (3.70 cm), head diameter (23.13 cm), number of achenes per head (1237.6), 1000-achene weight (68.17 g), highest biological yield (10.92 t ha-1), achene yield (3.22 t ha-1), harvest index (29.48 %) and protein contents (29.03 %) was observed in treatment where nitrogen was applied by fertigation method and sunflower was sown on beds. But maximum oil contents (41.78 %) were observed where nitrogen was side dressed and flat sowing technique was adopted for crop sowing. It is found that use of fertigation method of nitrogen application and bed planting techniques proved to be the best combination for improving growth, yield & yield relating attributes and improve fertilizer use efficiency with lower nitrogen losses for sunflower (Hybrid-33) under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad.

Modulation of sunflower growth via regulation of antioxidants, oil content and gas exchange by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and quantum dot biochar under chromium stress

Chromium (Cr) toxicity significantly threatens sunflower growth and productivity by interfering with enzymatic activity and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Zinc quantum dot biochar (ZQDB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have become popular to resolve this issue. AMF can facilitate root growth, while biochar tends to minimize Cr mobility in soil. The current study aimed to explore AMF and ZQDB combined effects on sunflower plants in response to Cr toxicity. Four treatments were applied, i.e. NoAMF + NoZQDB, AMF + 0.40%ZQDB, AMF + 0.80%ZQDB, and AMF + 1.20%ZQDB, under different stress levels of Cr, i.e. no Cr (control), 150 and 200 mg Cr/kg soil. Results showed that AMF + 1.20%ZQDB was the treatment that caused the greatest improvement in plant height, stem diameter, head diameter, number of leaves per plant, achenes per head, 1000 achenes weight, achene yield, biological yield, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content and oleic acid, relative to the condition NoAMF + No ZQDB at 200 mg Cr/kg soil. A significant decline in peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) while improvement in ascorbate peroxidase (APx), oil content, and protein content further supported the effectiveness of AMF + 1.20%ZQDB against Cr toxicity. Our results suggest that the treatment AMF + 1.20%ZQDB can efficiently alleviate Cr stress in sunflowers.

The Adaptation Assessment of Different Sunflower Cultivars under Kabul Agro Climatic Conditions

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oilseeds crops due to its wide adaptability, mechanization potential, low labor requirements, and high oil and protein content. The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of elite sunflower cultivars under Kabul agro-ecological conditions. The main objective of this research is to identify superior genotypes best adapted to Kabul agro-ecological conditions. Three improved cultivars of sunflowers, two from France (Robiacs and Imeriacs) and a local one were tested for two years, 2018-19, on the farm of Agriculture faculty at Kabul University. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on achene's yield and other parameters. Analysis revealed a highly significant difference among cultivars for all parameters under study except the number of days to complete emergence, number of plants m-2, plant height and leaf area index. Among the cultivars examined, there were significant differences in achene yield. Local cultivar (4696.92kg ha-1) followed by Robiacs (4346.62 kg ha-1) yielded significantly higher than Imeriacs cultivar (3029). These cultivars have shown to be the best local and exotic genotypes in terms of achene's yield. With additional tastings, these potential lines could be released for specific environments in Afghanistan similar to the Kabul agro-ecology.

Paraquat action in reproductive phases of sunflower on agronomic behavior and seed quality

The use of pre-harvest desiccants contributes to reducing the exposure of seeds to unfavorable climatic conditions, reducing environmental interference in their quality. But this use must be done in a way that affects, as little as possible, the agronomic behavior of the plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of paraquat desiccation, applied at different reproductive stages, on the agronomic behavior of sunflower plants and the quality of its seeds. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme with three repetitions. The herbicide Paraquat (2,0 L ha-1) was applied in the phases R7, R8 and R9 to plants of the cultivars BRS 323, Aguará 4 and M734. The characters evaluated were achene yield, oil content, weight of one thousand achenes, and germination. The most adequate reproductive stage for desiccation of sunflower plants with Paraquat was the R8 stage, obtaining the highest yield of achenes, oil content and weight of one thousand achenes. At this reproductive stage, there was no difference between the average germination values of sunflower achenes obtained with or without the application of the desiccant.

Exploring the effect of zinc and boron application on oil contents, protein contents, growth and yield of sunflower

Sunflower is sensitive to boron (B) and zinc (Zn) deficiency when grown on deficient soil, A field experiment was conducted to determine the main and interactive effects of soil applied Zn and B on total production of sunflower at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBI) with factorial arrangement using three replications with net plot size of 6 m x 4.5 m. The soil application of variable levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) and B (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha-1) in the form of zinc sulphate and boric acid, respectively were applied at time of sowing. All other agronomic and plant protection practices were kept uniform. The data regarding growth, yield and quality parameters were noted by using standard procedures. Results showed that Zn @ 20 kg ha-1 and B @ 3 kg ha-1 significantly increased the number of plants per plot at harvest, stem diameter, head diameter, number of achenes per head, 1000-achene weight, biological yield and days to maturity, achene yield kg per, harvest index, leaf concentrations or Zn at heading stage, leaf concentrations of B at heading stage (ppm), achene oil content (%), achene protein contents as compared to control. This study concluded that higher growth and yield of sunflower can be achieved by application of Zn at 20 kg ha-1 and B at 3 kg ha-1 under Faisalabad conditions.

Arsenic fractionation and speciation in different textured soils supplied with farmyard manure and accumulation by sunflower under alkaline calcareous conditions.

Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring element that is found in soil, water, and rocks. However, it can also be released into the environment through human activities. Arsenic is considered an environmental hazard because it is toxic to humans and animals and can cause serious health problems. Additionally, As-contaminated soil can limit plant growth and reduce crop yields, leading to economic losses for farmers. So, decreasing metal/metalloid solubility in soil by synthetic and organic amendments leads to better crop productivity on contaminated soils. The current study aimed to evaluate farmyard manure (FYM)-mediated changes in soil arsenic (As) behavior, and subsequent effects on achene yield of sunflower. Treatment plan comprised of two As levels, i.e., As-60 (60 mg kg-1) and As-120 (120 mg kg-1), four FYM levels (0, 20, 35, and 50 g kg-1), three textural types (sandy, loamy and clayey), and replicated thrice. Seven As fractions including water soluble-As (WS-As), labile-As (L-As), calcium-bound As (Ca-As), aluminum-bound As (Al-As), iron-bound As (Fe-As), organic-matter-bound As (OM-As), and residual-As (R-As) were determined which differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with FYM and soil texture. FYM supplementation decreased WS-As, L-As, Ca-As, and Al-As while increased Fe-As, OM-As, and R-As. The immobilizing effect of FYM increased with increasing its rate of application, and maximum effect was found in clayey soil. As speciation in soil also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by FYM and soil texture, with a reduction in arsenate while increase in arsenite, mono-methyl arsenate, and di-methyl arsenate with increasing the rate of FYM supplementation. Bioaccumulation factor reduced with FYM addition, and highest reduction of 38.65 and 42.13% in sandy, 34.24 and 36.26% in loamy while 29.16 and 35.10% in clayey soils at As-60 and As-120, respectively, by 50 g kg-1 FYM compared with respective As treatments without FYM. As accumulation in plant parts was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced by FYM with the subsequent improvement in achene yield.

Understanding the spatio-temporal behaviour of the sunflower crop for subfield areas delineation using Sentinel‐2 NDVI time-series images in an organic farming system

The study investigates the suitability of time series Sentinel-2 NDVI-derived maps for the subfield detection of a sunflower crop cultivated in an organic farming system. The aim was to understand the spatio-temporal behaviour of subfield areas identified by the K-means algorithm from NDVI maps obtained from satellite images and the ground yield data variability to increase the efficiency of delimiting management zones in an organic farming system.Experiments were conducted on a surface of 29 ha. NDVI time series derived from Sentinel-2 images and k-means algorithm for rapidly delineating the sunflower subfield areas were used. The crop achene yields in the whole field ranged from 1.3 to 3.77 t ha−1 with a significant within-field spatial variability. The cluster analysis of hand-sampled data showed three subfields with achene yield mean values of 3.54 t ha−1 (cluster 1), 2.98 t ha−1 (cluster 2), and 2.07 t ha−1 (Cluster 3). In the cluster analysis of NDVI data, the k-means algorithm has early delineated the subfield crop spatial and temporal yield variability. The best period for identifying subfield areas starts from the inflorescences development stage to the development of the fruit stage. Analyzing the NDVI subfield areas and yield data, it was found that cluster 1 covers an area of 42.4% of the total surface and 50% of the total achene yield; cluster 2 covers 35% of both surface and yield. Instead, the surface of cluster 3 covers 22.2% of the total surface with 15% of achene yield. K-means algorithm derived from Sentinel-2 NDVI images delineates the sunflower subfield areas.Sentinel-2 images and k-means algorithms can improve an efficient assessment of subfield areas in sunflower crops. Identifying subfield areas can lead to site-specific long-term agronomic actions for improving the sustainable intensification of agriculture in the organic farming system.

Effect of Foliar Application of Boron, Zinc and Manganese on Growth, Yield and Oil Contents of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A field trial was conducted to assess the effect of exogenously applied boron, zinc and manganese on growth, yield and oil contents of sunflower at Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during Spring, 2019. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used for the allocation of treatments with 3 replications. Seed was sown using dibbler on 75 cm apart ridges. Foliar treatments included T0= Control, T1= Water spray, T2= 0.6% boron (B), T3= 0.6% zinc (Zn), T4= 0.6% manganese (Mn), T5= 0.3% B+0.3% Zn, T6= 0.3% B+0.3% Mn, T7= 0.3% Zn+0.3% Mn and T8= 0.2% B+0.2% Zn+0.2% Mn). Boron, Zinc and Manganese were sprayed at 35 days and 55 days after sowing keeping Borax (H3BO3), Zinc Sulphate (ZnSo4) and Manganese Sulphate (MnSo4) as sources of B, Zn and Mn, respectively. Various phenological, physiological and agronomical traits were monitored and analysed. Spray of 0.2% B+0.2% Zn+0.2% Mn gave the high values of traits including number of achenes per head, 1000-achene weight (g), achene yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1), harvest index (%), oil yield (kg ha-1) and achene-oil content (%).

SULFUR APPLICATION IMPROVES THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) HYBRIDS

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a globally prominent oil seed. Sulfur is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in the growth and development of crop plants. Compared with other crops, oilseed crops require more sulfur for their role in oil biosynthesis and as an essential constituent of amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and enzyme structure. Its deficiency results in poor utilization of NPK and, ultimately, crop reduction in yield and quality. Hence, the study investigated the effect of different levels of sulfur on the harvest and quality attributes of various sunflower hybrids. The experiment comprised four sulfur levels (0, 20, 30, 40, and 50 kg per ha) and four sunflower hybrids coded as C124 × RH344, C112 × RSIN82, C116 × RH344, and C208 × RH445. The recorded data underwent analysis statistically using Fisher’s analysis of variance technique, and treatment means comparison followed Tukey’s honest significant difference test (HSD) at a 5% probability level. The results showed maximum plant height at maturity (75.80 cm), head diameter (17.90 cm), leaf area per plant (2,309.21 mm2), 100-achene weight (10.60 g), achene yield (2,806.61 kg ha-1), harvest index (26.58%), and oil content (48.46%), while minimum days to flower initiation (40.33 days) were evident when sowing hybrid C124 × RH344 with an application of 20 kg per ha sulfur.

Tillage intensity by organic fertilization interaction on sunflower performance and some soil properties

Abstract A field trail was performed to study the impacts of soil tillage system and some organic and inorganic fertilizers treatments on sunflower performance and soil characteristics in the semi-arid region across 2015–2016 growing season. The tillage systems were (T1) conventional tillage, and (T2) reduced tillage while the fertilizer treatments were (F1) control, (F2) 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure, (F3) 40 t ha−1 farmyard manure, (F4) 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure plus 50:25:25 kg ha−1 NPK, (F5) 100:50:50 kg ha−1 NPK. The two-way entry (treatment) by tester (trait) biplot tool, described 84 % of the observed variability (68 % and 16 % by the first two principal components, respectively). The which-wins-where pattern, showed six vertex treatment (tillage system × fertilizer type) as: T1-F1 which had the highest values for bulk density; T1-F3 which had the highest values for days to maturity, organic matter and root depth; T1-F5 which had the highest values for soil phosphorus and harvest index; T2-F1 which had the highest values for mean emergence time; T2-F3 which had the highest values for soil potassium and achene yield; and T2-F4 which had the highest values for soil nitrogen. The ideal treatment pattern indicated that T2-F4 was the best treatment combination. We found that the best performance for sunflower achene yield was obtained with using reduced tillage system plus F3 or F4 fertilizer treatments. Finally, application no fertilizer or using only chemical fertilizers could not improve sunflower performance in both tillage systems.

Biostimulants as a Response to the Negative Impact of Agricultural Chemicals on Vegetation Indices and Yield of Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Weed control during common buckwheat cultivation is hindered by the crop’s high sensitivity to agrochemicals. This study evaluates whether biostimulants (Asahi SL, Kelpak SL, B-Nine) could reduce the adverse effect of abiotic stress caused by these substances on buckwheat’s vegetation indices and yield. To this end, a four-factor field experiment was performed according to the 3 4−1 Box–Behnken design on chernozem soil with silt texture at the Experimental Station of the Agricultural University of Krakow (Poland, 50°07′ N, 20°04′ E). The results showed that calcium cyanamide fertilization was effective in reducing the abundance of dicotyledonous weeds by 39% and the dry weight of weeds per unit area by 20% relative to ammonium nitrate-fertilized sites. However, the most effective method of weed control was the application of metazachlor together with clomazone. The mixture of these active substances reduced the abundance of monocotyledonous weeds, dicotyledonous weeds, and dry weight of weeds by 83%, 40.5%, and 36.4%, respectively. The use of herbicides adversely affected the leaf area index (LAI). Nitrophenol treatment of buckwheat grown on soil fertilized with calcium cyanamide resulted in increased achene yield and number of seeds per plant compared to ammonium nitrate fertilization. The application of daminozide on chemically protected plants resulted in improved vegetation indices such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) compared to sites not exposed to herbicides.

COMBINING ABILITY ANALYSIS FOR VARIOUS MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

The present research was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Six lines and four testers were sown, and 24 crosses were generated. The seeds of these crosses were sown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and data for several morphological traits, including the number of days to flowering, plant height, number of whorls per head, head diameter, number of seeds per head, number of leaves per plant, achene yield per plant, 100-seed weight, oil content and protein content were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and line × tester analysis. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for traits mentioned above were evaluated. Lines with crosses showing high values of GCA and SCA were selected for further breeding programs. The recorded data were further subjected to analysis of variance, GCA and SCA to determine genetic variability and association among the characters. The results showed that the parental lines A-1, A-2, A-7 and A-8 showed good potential for most of the traits so that they could be taken to further breeding programs. The crosses A-5×A-10 and A-2×A-7 could be used for hybrid development.

Genetic Behavior of Sunflower for Achene Yield and Its Related Traits

Genetic Behavior of Sunflower for Achene Yield and Its Related Traits

Genetic Variability Analysis for Achene Yield and Its Related Traits in Sunflower

Genetic Variability Analysis for Achene Yield and Its Related Traits in Sunflower

GENETIC ASSESSMENT AND ESTIMATION OF COMBINING ABILITY FOR OIL AND YIELD RELATED TRAITS IN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

Pakistan is inadequate in vegetable oil, and an enormous amount is spent on its import. This is due to the lack of local varieties of oilseed crops in the country. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is used as a supreme oilseed crop due to its higher oil content. Its hybrids are popular due to its cross-pollinated mode. The present study was conducted for the evaluation of crosses that were better in oil and yield-related traits. For this purpose, 8 parental genotypes were collected, including 5 female and 3 male parents. The subsequent Line × Tester breeding scheme crossed these parental genotypes. Fifteen crosses and eight parental lines were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design by using three repetitions. At maturity, data was collected for the following traits such as head diameter, time to bud formation, time to flower initiation, time to maturity, leaf area, plant height, no. of leaves per plant, no. of ray florets per head, 1000 achene weight, achene yield per plant, protein contents and oil contents. Crosses having better yield were selected. Among parents, lines 3-A, 11-A, and 23-A, while testers 79-R and 20-R were the best general combiners for head diameter, time to bud formation, time to flower initiation, time to maturity, leaf area, plant height, number of leaves/plants, 1000 achene weight, achene yield/plant and oil contents. SCA effects showed that cross combination of 12-A × 20-R, 11-A × 78-R, and 20-A × 79-R was best for time to bud formation, the number of leaves per plant, 1000 achene weight, plant height, time to flower initiation and oil contents, respectively. The information obtained from the hybrids can be used in further breeding programs.

Salinity tolerance determination in four sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids using yield parameters and principal components analysis model

Globally, around 800 million hectares are affected by salinity. This abiotic stress causes plant growth inhibition, disruptions in physiological processes in plant cells, and yield losses in many crops. Sunflower is the third-most oilseed crop globally produced, and it is considered moderately tolerant to salinity. There are few studies about the genotypic variability existing in sunflower for responses to salinity, especially the changes in yield and oil content and quality under salinity. The present work aimed to study the effects of salinity on achene yield in four sunflower genotypes and their components and on the oil content and quality and their relationships. Four sunflower hybrids (ACA885, TRITON MAX, SRM769 and SRM779) were grown at 130 mM NaCl irrigation solution under controlled environmental conditions. The achene yield, the yield components, and the content and oil quality were determined. Based on the four studied genotypes, salinity decreased achene yield by 75.1 %. SRM779CL had a lower achene yield reduction by salinity. Yield component that most explained this tolerance was the number of achenes per plant. SRM779CL was the hybrid with the highest oil percentage loss. Contrarily, salinity increased the oil content in ACA885. Salinity decreased the ratio between oleic (18:1) and linoleic acid (18:2) in all genotypes. Therefore, salt stress increased the percentage of unsaturations in the four genotypes examined in this work. Finally, considering the 12 parameters measured, principal components analysis could determine that SRM779CL showed the best performance under control conditions while ACA885 was the most tolerant under salinity.

Exploring Zinc and Boron Chemo-Priming Effects on Low-Vigour Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Poor germination and suboptimal seedling growth constitute as prime factors in lowering the achene yield and seed oil content of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), while chemo-priming with micronutrients might serve as a biological viable strategy provided source and dose optimization are performed. A trial was executed to appraise the comparative impact of seed priming with different doses of micronutrients like boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on sunflower germination and seedling growth traits of sunflower. The experiment was comprised of six treatments of B (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.20 ppm) and Zn (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mM) each, while seed germination, root and seedling growth related traits were taken as experimental variables. The results revealed that all treatments remained ineffective regarding seed germination and seed vigour of sunflower, while B and Zn doses of 0.2 ppm and 12 mM respectively, enhanced seedling emergence rate and vigour. The Zn (8 mM) significantly improved root length along with their fresh and dry weights, while all doses of B imparted antagonistic effects on root attributes. Likewise, Zn (8 mM) remained superior for shoot length, fresh and dry weights, while higher doses of B remained contra-productive for shoot growth of sunflower.