Estimation of Yield and Stability of Some Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Hybrids under Rain -Fed and Irrigated Conditions of Sudan

Abstract

Fifteen sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids were evaluated at four environments (two environments under rain fed and the other two under irrigation conditions) for two consecutive summer seasons (2013 and 2014). The hybrids were tested to estimate their adaptability and stability performance for seed yield and seed oil yield at Sinnar State, Sudan. The experiment over all environments was laid in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The analysis of variance procedure revealed highly significant differences for seed yield and seed oil yields among hybrids and environments. Significant differences were observed for hybrids (G), environments (E) and G x E interaction for both seed yield and seed oil yield. Stability analysis after Eberhart and Russell’s model suggested that the hybrids used in this study were all, more or less, responsive to environmental changes. Most of the hybrids performed better in E1 and E2 (Allkandi). Stability analysis with their parameters (grand mean, regression coefficient a nd deviation from regression) identified five hybrids; Pan-7057, Ausigold61, Ausigold7, Hysun-33 and Pan-7033 as the most stable hybrids for seed yield and seed oil yields, since their regression coefficients were close to the value of one (bi=1) and had the lowest deviation from regression (S²_di=0) and were stable and adapted to favorable environments. In contrast, three hybrids; SFH 301, Aguara-4 and SFH 304, with regression coefficients greater than one, were regarded as sensitive to environmental changes for seed yield and seed oil yield and were stable and adapted to unfavorable environments.