Phenological Display of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Salt Affected Area of South Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The sunflower is a significant oilseed crop that can help reduce the disparity amid the utilization and manufacture of edible oil in developing nations such as Pakistan. Despite its potential, minimal research has been carried out on the genetic presentation of sunflower hybrids that can exhibit distinct behavior under agro-saline conditions. As a result, exploring the genetic display of sunflower hybrids that can withstand harsh environmental conditions is critical for improving agricultural productivity and addressing food insecurity challenges. The final yield of achene crops is significantly influenced by agronomic traits. As such, any improvement in these traits can lead to an increase in the yield of achene crops. To assess the performance of three different sunflower hybrids (Hysun-33, Augura 4, and S-278) under agro-saline conditions in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, a field trial was conducted at the Agronomy experimental area of the Adaptive Research Farm for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018). The randomized complete block design was employed, and each plot measured 10 x 05 m². The experiment was replicated thrice to ensure the validity of the findings. It was experimental that amongst sunflower hybrids, Hysun-33 performed best during both the years, agronomically and yield wise followed by S278 and Augura 4 in spite of severe brackish underground water and saline growing medium of experimental area. Hysun-33 hybrid produced significantly taller plants, more Head diameter, maximum Leaf area, heavier 100-acheneweight and higher achene yield, but lesser oil content than these in Augura 4 and S 278 hybrids during both the years of research. It was further observed that hybrid Augura 4 remained poor in morphological as well as in reproductive traits thus depicting poor performance in all parameters except in oil contents in saline conditions for both the years. To increase productivity and cultivate saline areas, the Hysun 33 sunflower hybrid should be recommended and promoted in regions such as Dera Ghazi Khan. This hybrid has shown excellent performance in terms of plant height, head diameter, and achene yield, making it a viable option for cultivation. In particular, during the 2017 season when the crop was exposed to higher temperatures, rainfall, and solar radiation, the Hysun-33 genotype proved to be the most successful. By utilizing this hybrid, previously fallow land can be brought under cultivation, contributing to an increase in edible oil productivity and the expansion of agricultural area. These favorable environmental factors positively impacted the crop's phenology attributes and ultimately contributed towards an increased achene yield despite the challenging soil conditions of the area.