Characterization of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes using laboratory techniques

Twelve genotypes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), which comprised four hybrids APSH-11, BSH-1, KBSH-1 and PSFH-67 and their parental lines (one female parent CMS234A being common to three of the hybrids), were characterized using laboratory techniques to analyse seed and seedling attributes. These were distinguished on the basis of seed morphology (visual and image analysis), anthocyanin pigmentation in hypocotyl in response to P-deficient nutrient medium, seedling sensitivity to herbicide metribuzin, soluble seed protein profiles and esterase and alcohol dehydrogenase isoenzymes in dry and 3-day old germinating seed respectively. Soluble protein profile and esterase isoenzyme patterns were most promising in distinguishing different genotypes, but simple tests like anthocyanin pigmentation in P-deficient medium and seed morphological features were also useful in characterization and grouping of sunflower genotypes in distinct classes.