Impact of agronomic traits variability on grain yield of mid-oleic and standard sunflower hybrids vs. open-pollinated populations in Iran

This study compares three types of sunflower genotypes (standard hybrids, mid-oleic hybrids, and open-pollinated populations) regarding agronomic characteristics, using ۱۶ standard hybrids, ۹ mid-oleic hybrids, and ۱۱ open-pollinated populations. The genotypes were evaluated in ۶×۶ simple lattice experiments conducted in Karaj and Shahrood, Iran, during the ۲۰۲۰-۲۰۲۱ growing season. The highest grain yield (۳۴۶۸ kg ha⁻¹) and oil yield (۱۴۶۲ kg ha⁻¹) were observed in standard hybrids, while the lowest values occurred in mid-oleic hybrids. Standard hybrids also exhibited the earliest maturity (۹۶ days) and the shortest plant height (۱۲۴ cm). In contrast, mid-oleic hybrids were characterized by lower grain yield (۲۵۱۳ kg ha⁻¹) and oil yield (۱۱۰۸ kg ha⁻¹) compared to the other genotypes. Open-pollinated populations showed similarities to standard hybrids in terms of grain and oil yield; however, the highest yields were consistently recorded among standard hybrids. These results indicate that not all crosses yield high-yielding hybrids with enhanced oil content. While the uniformity of hybrid cultivars facilitates agricultural operations, the higher yield observed in some open-pollinated populations justifies their cultivation in variable and unstable climatic conditions, particularly in marginal areas. Given the significant yield reduction in mid-oleic hybrids in Iran, their commercial production will depend on market demand and achieving a balance between yield and oleic acid content.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hybrid ، Open-pollinated ، Mid-oleic ، Single cross