Work

Yield stability and rainfall use efficiency of sunflower hybrids under variable rainfed conditions

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) productivity is increasingly constrained by water limitation, particularly under rainfed conditions and in the context of climate change, which has intensified drought frequency and variability of precipitation patterns. This study aimed to evaluate long-term variation in seed yield, oil content, and rainfall use efficiency (RUE) among 22 sunflower hybrids, as well as their stability under contrasting environmental conditions. Field experiments were conducted over ten growing seasons (2016-2025) at a single location (Novi Sad – Rimski Šančevi) under rainfed conditions, enabling robust comparison of hybrid performance across variable rainfall regimes using different statistical models. The results revealed significant differences among hybrids in productivity, RUE, and yield stability. While some hybrids achieved high yield or oil content, they often showed considerable variability across years. In contrast, hybrids such as NS KIRIL and NS RONIN demonstrated greater stability, maintaining high RUE in dry years. Stability analysis further indicated that certain hybrids were better adapted to drought conditions, combining reliable yield with efficient water use.

Source: FiVeR (Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia)

Authors: Cvejić, Sandra, Lazić, Olivera, Matkovski, Marijana, Jocković, Milan, Ćuk, Nemanja, Radeka, Ilija, Miklič, Vladimir, Radanović, Aleksandra, Miladinović, Dragana, Jocić, Siniša

Language: English

Topic: Sunflower and Safflower Cultivation

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7166407510

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