Oil productivity and adaptability of new sunflower open-pollinated cultivars

Abstract

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is cultivated for oil production and as an ornamental crop. As an oil-producing crop, the yield is low due to variations in the geographical characteristics of cultivation regions as well as cultivation practices. Increased productivity of sunflower could be achieved from a cultivar that has high yield and wide adaptability. This study investigated the oil yield, stability and adaptability of five open-pollinated sunflower cultivars across different environments. The cultivars were planted in three locations in 2016 and 2017. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with five replications. The observed data were subjected to combined analysis of variance and stability analysis. The results showed that the Ha. 1, Ha. 3 and Ha. 15 cultivars had higher oil yields than the other cultivars. Ha. 1 produced the highest mean (± SD) oil yield of 374.7 ± 58.40 kg/ha but had narrow adaptability. Ha. 3 yielded 317.8 ± 48.85 kg/ha oil and had wide adaptability. Ha. 15 had 337.14 ± 46.83 kg/ha oil yield and narrow adaptability. Ha. 1 and Ha. 15 are suggested to be used as specific adaptation cultivars and Ha. 3 is suggested to be used as a broad adaptation cultivar. This information could be used in providing recommendations for sunflower varieties suitable to target cultivation regions.