Evaluation of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Hybrids Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Abstract

AbstractEvaluation and characterization of sunflower hybrids using morphological, physiological and biochemical data are necessary and essential in sunflower breeding programs. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the productive possibilities of some sunflower hybrids grown in Macedonian environmental conditions. The experiment was carried out during the period 2013 and 2014 on the research field of the Faculty of Agriculture, “Goce Delchev” University – Shtip, in Ovche Pole locality, Republic of Macedonia. Total 20 sunflower hybrids were used as an experimental material. The trial was arranged as randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The average content of oil and oleic acid were 45.6 and 65.2%, respectively. The highest seed yield from all sunflower hybrids was obtained for the hybrid NLK12M144 (3,344 kg ha–1) and the lowest for hybrid NLK12S126 (2,244 kg ha–1). Cluster analysis classified the sunflower hybrids into four groups based on agronomic traits and seed yield. Most of the hybrids were included in cluster I and III (7 hybrids) followed by cluster IV. Using principal component analysis two main components have been extracted, with eigenvalue greater than one. They account for 72.99% of the variability in the original data. Only four hybrids had positive values for both main components (NLK12M144, NLK12S070, NLK12S125 and NLN12N011 DMR). The results from this study can be used to identify the best sunflower hybrids grown under Macedonian environmental conditions and to select the superior hybrids for future exploitation.