Abstract:
The research trial was conducted in wirehouse of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture,Faisalabad during spring season, to assess the influence of lead toxicity on achene yield and quality related attributes in sunflower. Twenty sunflower genotypes were collected from US National Plant Germplasm System (USDA) and were evaluated undercontrol and lead (Pb)stress conditions. Data were recorded for 100 achene weight (100 AW), achene yield per plant (AYP), oil contents (OC), oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), palmitic acid (PA) and lead accumulation in plant organs viz; roots (PbR), shoots (PbS), leaves (PbL) and achene (PbA). Highest accumulation of lead was observed in roots and leaves.Substantial extent of genetic variationwas present among sunflower genotypes for traits related to yield, oil quality and lead accumulation in plant organs. The genotypes PI599979 and PI536625 showed maximum achene yield under lead stress. Accumulation of lead in leaves and achene had significantly reduced achene yield per plant. Therefore, it is suggested that 100 achene weight, lead accumulation in leaves and achene can be used as selection criteria for development of lead tolerant genotypes in sunflower.
