EARLINESS AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS IN UPLANDS OF BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

Sunflower hybrids were evaluated for adoptability, earliness and yield potential through multi-locations trials during summer cropping season 2006 (after wheat harvest) in uplands of Balochistan, Pakistan. Stability analysis was carried out for hybrids at three different locations in one year. Early maturity and achene yield were used as criterion for selection. All the hybrids matured in less than 95 days due to summer intensive and longer day's photoperiod. Therefore, all the hybrids were found suitable to grow in June (after wheat harvest) and to complete their growth cycle before commencing of low temperature during colder nights of October. Hybrids Parsun-1 and Hysun-33 were found early maturing and medium maturing, respectively and suitable for growing in wheat cropping pattern. Complete hybrid stability over all parameters was not proved. Therefore, sunflower hybrids sensitivity authenticated to further intensify breeding work for development of local hybrids with early maturity and good yield.