EVALUATION OF NEW SUNFLOWERHYBRID (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) FOR OIL YIELD UNDER SOUTHERN ROMANIA CONDITIONS

Abstract

Sunflower breeding at the Agricultural Research Company, Fundulea is carried out at an advanced level, yielding impressive results. The working collection comprises a variety of inbred lines, and in recent years, new materials with exceptional combining ability and valuable traits have been developed. The hybrid HS-FSP-1023, currently in the testing phase, is notable for its high production potential and high oil content. Second-year trials conducted in 2023 in the counties of Călărași, Constanța, and Buzău have confirmed its adaptability to various environmental conditions, as well as its drought and disease resistance, ensuring stable yields. The focus is on developing semi-early hybrids with rapid seed drying and high production capacity across diverse environments. The objective of this research is to highlight the performance of hybrid HS-FSP-1023 in comparison with four standard sunflower hybrids, with emphasis on oil yield, making it a promising candidate for expanding the cultivated area in Romania.