Performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids under West Bengal condition

An experiment on the performance of various sunflower hybrids was carried out at Pulses and Oilseed Research Station (PORS), Berhampore during rabi (winter) 2013-14 under Initial Hybrid Trial (IHT) of AICRP (Sunflower) with 12 hybrids. Among the 12 hybrids, two hybrids WBSH-2021 and WBSH-2034 developed at PORS, Berhampore during winter 2012-13 were included in the trial. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design having four replications, with each sub plot size of 4.5 x 3.0 m2 . Statistical analysis of the data showed significant differences for all the parameters except days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and 100-seed weight. It was observed that WBSH-2021 registered 31%, 25% and 66% more seed yield and 30%, 29% and 70% more oil yield than the three check hybrids. Under zone-III, WBSH-2021 recorded 16%, 7% more seed yield and 11%, 15.3% more oil yield than the check hybrids DRSH-1 and KBSH-44, respectively. Based on the performance of the IHT the hybrid WBSH-2021 was promoted to Advanced Hybrid Trial (AHT) of AICRP (Sunflower).