Studies on genotype x environment interactions of F1 hybrids of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

An investigation was made to test the genotype x environment interactions of forty two hybrids along with three check hybrids for seed yield and their yield contributing characters over three environments. Analysis of variance for stability revealed that mean square due to genotypes and environments indicating presence of variation among hybrids and environments. All the characters exhibited non-significant genotype x environment interactions and hence showed constant response for that trait under environmental changes. The regression analysis showed that the mean sum of squares due to environment (linear) was highly significant for all the traits. The genotype x environment (linear) were non-significant for almost all the characters except harvest index per cent under studied when tested against pooled deviation, it indicates unpredictable performance of genotypes over the environments. Considering the stability parameters the hybrids CMS-17A x HAM-183, CMS-17A x 3376-R, CMS-17A x (KOP-I x 15 NB-7) and CMS-17A x (RHA-6D-1 x R-272-4) identified for stable seed yield and hybrids CMS-234A x PISF-110-8-1and ND-2A x 3376-R identified for stable for oil content as indicated by their mean and stability indices.