Evaluation of drought-tolerant sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids in autumn and spring planting under semi-arid rainfed conditions☆

Abstract

Global climate change is posing threats for sustainable crop production. Supra-optimal temperature and water stress are among few causes of global climate change which can cause significant damage to yield in various crop species including sunflower. Therefore, a study was initiated to develop new sunflower hybrids which may have higher seed yield and water use efficiency in current scenario of global climate change. Parental inbred lines were selected on the basis of cell membrane injury and cuticular waxes; these parental lines were used to develop various cross combinations. These cross combinations were evaluated at two locations and seasons. Some newly developed hybrids (H7, H8, H9) showed lesser days to flowering, high water use efficiency, high or comparable yield, kernel to seed% and oil contents% than high yielding commercial check Hysun.33. Water use efficiency (WUE) showed significant and high correlation with seed yield in both seasons. WUE decreased in spring season when compared with the autumn season due to high evapo-transpirational losses. General combining ability analyses showed that parental lines i.e. C.249 and RH.344 were the best combiners for water use efficiency and seed yield and may be exploited for the commercial development of drought resistant hybrids.

Keywords

• combining ability
• days to flowering
• sustainable yield
• water use efficiency