Research Article

Evaluation of Irrigation Frequencies and Seed Priming with Plant Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Genotypes

Muhammad Nawaz Kandhro1*, Zulfiqar Ali Abbasi1, Aijaz Ahmed Soomro1, Naimatullah Leghari2, Muhammad Ibrahim Keerio3, Ahmed Naqi Shah1, Ghulam Murtaza Jamro4, Nadia Mangrio1 and Shazia Parveen Tunio5

1Department of Agronomy; 2Department of Farm Power and Machinery; 3Department of Crop Physiology; 4Department of Soil Science, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan; 5Water and Agriculture Waste Management Institute, PARC, Tandojam

Received | June 19, 2020; Accepted | November 17, 2020; Published | February 08, 2021

*Correspondence | Muhammad Nawaz Kandhro, Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan; Email: [email protected]

Citation | Kandhro, M.N., Z.A. Abbasi, A.A. Soomro, N. Leghari, M.I. Keerio, A.N. Shah and G.M. Jamro,, N. Mangrio and S.P. Tunio. 2021. Evaluation of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients on growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, 34(1): 58-69.

DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjar/2021/34.1.58.69

Keywords | Irrigation frequencies, Seed priming, Sunflower, Genotypes, Growth, Yield

Introduction

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an essential oilseed crop of world as well as considered ideal crop under agro-climatic conditions and cropping system of Pakistan (Hassan and Kaleem, 2014). It has been identified as world’s most significant and commonly cultivated oil crop (Wills and Burke, 2006). Sunflower is the member of Asteraceae family having seven chromosomes. The artists inspired by its sun-like inflorescence (Badouin et al., 2017). In the 19th century’s first half sunflower was recognized in Russia as a major oil crop (Mangin et al., 2017). At the global level, it is known as the fourth vegetable oil source after rapeseed, palm and soybean. It comes second after rapeseed in Europe and after cottonseed in Pakistan (Siddiqui and Oad, 2015). During 2018 world’s area under cultivation for sunflower was 26 million hectares, with its total production of 45 million metric tons (FAO, 2018). Edible oil has been reported as one of the considerable supplies of daily usage (Amjad, 2014). The country is facing acute deficiency in edible oil production. Pakistan imports 88% oil for edible purposes, whereas at the country level only 12% is being produced. The import expenses for edible oil during 2016-17 were Rs 320.893 billion (GoP, 2018). Pakistan ranks 3rd largest country in the world in importing edible oil (Soomro, 2015). It is an important oilseed crop however its lowest yield is one of the main constraints in Pakistan (Sheidaie et al., 2013). Sunflower with its low cholesterol is a significant source of edible oil all over the world. It is highly rich in oil 47%. Oil of sunflower is like oil of olive. Its oil is valuable for purpose of cooking, with rich in linoleic acid and essential fatty acid. Oil of sunflower is famous as production of artificial butter due to its color keeping quality (Iqtidar and Jan, 2010). Sunflower oil consumption reduces cholesterol level in the blood, which is responsible for the incidence of coronary heart disease (Ka1aiyarasan and Vaiyapuri, 2007). The oil of sunflower is moderately pleasant, and it covers A, D, E and K vitamin. Oil of this crop is most important due to lack of cholesterol and high content of unsaturated fatty acids, the benefits of oil are well known for human health. The sunflower seeds are very important confectionery source (Buriro et al., 2015). Its seed meal is rich with protein, which is used for livestock feed, Seed of sunflower are also source of nutritional feed for poultry (Khalil and Jan, 2010). The dried stems of sunflower are used in houses for fuel purpose. Fiber from the stem be used for making paper, purple black dye is obtained from the seed and yellow dye is obtained from the flowers (Tengong et al., 2010).

The priming of seeds is one of the important processes in which germination percentage and uniformity of seedling in various crops could be enhanced (Halmer, 2003). In this process, seeds under controlled conditions are kept in limited water in which some germination processes can occur. After that, seeds are dried for short time before sowing (Kouchebagh et al., 2014). The process involves advancing the seed to an equal stage of the germination process, to enable fast and uniform emergence when planted (Dawa1 et al., 2017). Farming community can easily adopt many methods of seed priming for alleviating different stress levels. At the same time, they can produce quality seeds and use them further for the next crop cycle without costs of seed purchase (Chatterjee et al., 2018). The seed priming caused seed vigour improvement in sunflower. The priming of seeds has been found to improve plant growth (Moeinzadeh et al., 2010). Priming with ZnSO4 can improve emergence of crop, seedling establishment and metabolism of seed (Farooq et al., 2012).

Increasing water use efficiency is one of the most important ways to increase crop production, save water and protect the environment (Lina and Gautam, 2015). The productivity of sunflower is strongly regulated by water availability (Kazemeini et al., 2009). It is the needs of the hour to adopt available managing techniques and skills for increasing irrigation efficiencies (Khan, 2005). In order to produce more crops with less water requirement, strategies need to be considered of water management practices. Studies have confirmed that yield decrease substantially when plant at vegetative growth was not properly irrigated. The proper management of irrigation could lead to enhanced production and better irrigation water efficiency (Eman et al., 2015). Bakht et al. (2010) disclosed that the maximum yield of sunflower was gained from four irrigations in comparison with other irrigation frequencies. The hybrids, SF-187 produced more yields than the Parsun-1 hybrid. Sunflower head diameter increased when crop was irrigated at large quantity (Flagella et al., 2002). In the light of above mentioned facts, the present study was designed to evaluation the effect of irrigation frequencies and seed priming on growth and yield of sunflower.

 

Materials and Methods

Experimental details and soil selection

An experiment was arranged at Students’ Experimental Farm of Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan during autumn 2017 and 2018. The area of experimental soil was clay loam, which conferring to USDA classification belongs to Order Aridisols and Sub-group Typic camborthids. Experimental unit size was 6 m x 5 m (30 m2). Soil was plowed thoroughly and properly leveled. The seedbed was prepared three times by cultivating with a tractor-mounted cultivator. The NPK fertilizers were applied before sowing with amount of 100-50-50 kg ha-1. The fertilizers were used in form of Urea, SSP and SOP. Phosphate and potash fertilizers were applied at the time of land preparation. Urea was supplemented in three schedules; first at the time of sowing, second at the time of 1st irrigation and third at the time of flowering. Split plot arrangements were used for four irrigation frequencies (Two, Three, Four and Five), Seed priming four (control, canal water, 1.0% Urea and 0.2% Zinc sulphate) and two genotypes of sunflower (HO-1, Hysun-33). Irrigation frequencies were assigned to main-plot while sub-plot was fixed to genotypes and seed priming sources were allocated to sub-sub-plot. There were three replications. The canal water or nutrients solution for priming of seeds was done in a container of plastic at field for three hours after that seeds were immediately sown on the field on same day. For 1.0% Urea solution making, 1 kg fertilizer of Urea was dissolved in 100 liters of water while preparing concentration of 0.2% zinc, were dissolved 200 g of ZnSO4 in 100 liters of water. The experiment of 1st year, was done on August 05, 2017 while August 07, 2018. For 2nd year on same day sowing was done of primed seed through single coulter hand drill. After 15 days of sowing maintain proper plant to plant distance thinning of plants was done. Inter culturing was done to make porous soil for strong roots of crop plant, control over weeds and pests before irrigation first. Whereas, second and third inter culturing were done before 2nd and 3rd irrigation, correspondingly. Irrigation in all plots was applied as per treatments. Different practices of cultural performed regular were throughout the experiment.

The area of the experimental soil was analyzed before sowing and after harvesting (Table 1). Soil samples at a depth of 0-20 cm were taken from five locations of the total experimental area before planting of the crop with the help of soil auger. The samples of soil were air-dried, ground, sieved (2.5 mm) and placed in containers of plastic. The samples were investigated for various physical and chemical properties by the procedures of Rayan et al. (2001). Soil texture was measured by Bouyoucos hydrometer method. Electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH was measured in 1:2 soil water extract using EC and pH meters, correspondingly. The determination of organic matter content was followed by Walkley Black method. Total N was determined by Kjedahl method (Rowell, 1994). However, soil was extracted for determining extractable P and K using (AB-DTPA) Ammonium bicarbonate di-ethylene triamine penta acetic acid.

 

Table 1: Average of physico-chemical properties of experimental soil for the year 2017 and 2018.

Parameters	Values
Soil texture analysis
Sand %	19
Silt %	43
Clay %	38
Textural class	Silty clay loam
Soil chemical analysis
EC (dSm-1)	2.36
Soil pH	8.70
Organic matter (%)	0.49
Total N %	0.02
Extractable P (mg kg-1)	1.30
Extractable K (mg kg-1)	209

 

Observations recorded

Data on seed germination m-2 was noted by counting the emerged seedlings after 10 days of sowing through per square meter iron frame. Leaf area index (%) was measured at peak vegetative growth from randomly selected five plants by using the formula: Area of leaf plant-1 (cm2) ÷ Area of ground plant-1 (cm2). Plant height (cm) was measured in centimeter through measuring tape from ground to main stem terminal end of plant. The data regarding diameter of head was noticed from five tagged plants with measuring tape at maturity. Weight of seeds head-1 (g) was determined from five tagged plants by weighing seeds on digital balance. Seed yield (kg ha-1) was recorded by: Seed yields plot-1 (kg) × 10000 m2 ÷ Net plot area (m2). However, harvest index (%) was calculated as: Seed yield (kg ha-1) ÷ Biological yield (kg ha-1) × 100.

Statistical analysis

The collected data was subjected to ANOVA technique using Statistix version 8.1 software (Statistix, 2006). The least significant difference test (LSD) was used at alpha 0.05 for comparing differences of treatments.

Weather data

The weather data of experimental site for both years (2017 and 2018) was obtained from Meteorological Station, Tandojam. The data including average temperature (°C). Rainfall (mm) and humidity (%) on monthly basis for August, September, October and November was noted and presented in Figure 1.

 

 

Results and Discussion

Seed germination (m-2)

Germination of seed is the prerequisite for obtaining an optimum number of seedlings which ultimately produces higher seed yield. The statistical analysis of data showed that priming of seed caused significant (P≤0.05) effect on seed germination while non-significant (P≥0.05) effect was noted for irrigations, genotypes, irrigation × genotypes, irrigation × seeds priming, genotypes × priming of seeds, and irrigation × genotypes × seeds priming. The results (Table 2) indicated that priming of seed with 0.2% ZnSO4 gave markedly (P ≤ 0.05) maximum seed germination followed by priming of seed with 1.0% urea whereas, minimum germination of seeds m-2 was noted in No priming. The results are supported by the conclusions of Moeinzadeh et al. (2010) who suggested that improvement in seed germination, seed vigour and growth of sunflower plants was caused by priming of seeds. The better seed germination under zinc priming may be due to the synthesis of different Auxin in seeds (Rashid and Memon, 2001). In another study Toklu (2015) reported that priming with water and ZnSO4 increased rate of germination and germination percentage. Furthermore, the results of Sharma and Parmar (2017) support the outcomes of our study that highest germination of green pea was obtained due to priming with 1% ZnSO4.

Leaf area index (%)

The statistical analysis of data revealed that sunflower leaf area index (%) was substantially (P≤0.05) impacted by irrigation, genotypes, priming of seed, and interactions of genotypes × priming of seed, irrigation × genotypes, irrigation × priming of seed and irrigation × genotypes × priming of seeds. The results (Table 3) illustrated that in irrigation frequencies maximum leaf areas index (%) was noticed in five irrigations seconded by four irrigations. Among genotypes, HO-1 produced maximum leaf area index (%) while lowest leaf area index (%) was noted in Hysun-33. In case of priming, the highest leaf area index (%) was registered in seeds primed with 0.2% ZnSO4 followed by seeds primed with 1.0% urea. In case of irrigation × genotypes interaction, the maximum leaf area index (%) was recorded in five irrigations with genotype HO-1 followed by combination of four irrigations with same genotype. The interface of five irrigations × priming 0.2% ZnSO4 resulted in the enhanced area index (%) seconded by same irrigation in interaction of seeds primed with 1.0% urea. Genotype HO-1 × 0.2% ZnSO4 produced highest leaf area index (%) followed by interaction of 1.0% Urea in same genotype. In case of interaction of irrigation × genotype × priming of seed, the maximum leaf area index (%) was found in five irrigations five at seed priming with 0.2% ZnSO4 and genotype HO-1 followed by four irrigation with interaction of priming of seed 0.2% ZnSO4 on same genotype. The results are also corroborated by Ghani et al. (2013) who suggested irrigation frequencies exhibited significant impact on leaf area of sunflower. Sunflower leaf area was notably affected by irrigation frequencies (Rady, 2017). Buriro et al. (2015) stated that yield contributing traits were affected by irrigation regimes and observed crop productivity also affected by low water. Proper irrigation improved yield contributing traits and leaf area of sunflower. Darwesh et al. (2016) indicated that the responses of sunflower leaf area (%) increased gradually with increasing irrigation frequencies. The improved leaf area index with ZnSO4 may be credited to active role of zinc for many enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenises and carbonic anhydrates (Rehman et al., 2015). Similarly, Demir and Mavi (2004) disclosed that irrigation affected significantly on growth and yield components of water melon.

Plant height (cm)

The data illustrated that sunflower plant height was affected considerably (P≤0.05) by irrigation frequencies, genotypes, priming of seed, and interactions of irrigation × genotypes, irrigation × priming of seeds, genotypes × priming of seeds and irrigation × genotypes × priming of seeds. The results (Table 4) showed that substantially (P ≤ 0.05) tallest plants were produced by five irrigations followed by four irrigations. The priming of seeds with 0.2% ZnSO4 ­recorded maximum height of plants seconded by seeds primed with 1.0% urea. The HO-1 genotype was found superior in plant height over Hysun-33. The data illustrated that interaction of genotype HO-1×five

 

Table 2: Seed germination m-2 of sunflower genotypes under the influence of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients.

Sub-plot (Genotypes)	Sub-sub plot (Sources of seed priming)		Main-plot (Frequencies of irrigation)					Mean
			Two irrigations	Three irrigations	Four irrigations		Five irrigations
HO-1	No priming		5.3	5.3	5.3		5.3	5.3
	Seed priming: canal water		5.7	5.7	5.7		5.7	5.7
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		6.0	6.0	6.0		6.0	6.0
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		6.3	6.3	6.3		6.3	6.3
	Mean		5.8	5.8	5.8		5.8	5.8
Hysun-33	No priming		5.3	5.3	5.3		5.3	5.3
	Seed priming: canal water		5.7	5.7	5.7		5.7	5.7
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		6.0	6.0	6.0		6.0	6.0
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		6.3	6.3	6.3		6.3	6.3
	Mean		5.8	5.8	5.8		5.8	5.8
Averages	No priming		5.3	5.3	5.3		5.3	5.3 D
	Seed priming: canal water		5.7	5.7	5.7		5.7	5.7 C
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		6.0	6.0	6.0		6.0	6.0 B
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		6.3	6.3	6.3		6.3	6.3 A
	Mean		5.8	5.8	5.8		5.8	-
Variables		P-value				LSD0.05
Irrigation (I)		0.4547				-
Genotypes (V)		0.1113				-
Priming (P)		0.0000				0.2807
I x V		0.9852				-
I x P		1.0000				-
V x P		0.9892				-
I x V x P		1.0000				-

 

Table 3: Leaf area index (%) of sunflower genotypes under the influence of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients.

Sub-plot (Genotypes)	Sub-sub plot (Sources of seed priming)		Main-plot (Frequencies of irrigation)					Mean
			Two irrigations	Three irrigations	Four irrigations		Five irrigations
HO-1	No priming		9.8 kl	12.6 hi	13.9 ef		14.6 c-f	12.7 C
	Seed priming: canal water		10.6 jk	12.8 g-i	16.6 b		16.3 b	14.1 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		10.7 jk	14.8 c-e	16.8 b		17.9 a	15.0 A
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		10.9 j	15.0 cd	16.7 b		18.7 a	15.3 A
	Mean		10.5 D	13.8 C	16.0 B		16.9 A	14.3 A
Hysun-33	No priming		8.9 l	12.0 hi	11.9 i		12.8 g-i	11.4 C
	Seed priming: canal water		9.1 l	12.6 hi	12.8 g-i		13.7 fg	12.0 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		9.6 l	12.7 hi	14.1 d-f		14.8 c-e	12.8 A
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		9.9 kl	12.8 g-i	12.9 gh		15.1 c	12.7 A
	Mean		9.4 D	12.5 C	12.9 B		14.1 A	12.2 B
Averages	No priming		9.4 g	12.3 e	12.9 e		13.7 d	12.1 C
	Seed priming: canal water		9.8 fg	12.7 e	14.7 c		15.0 bc	13.1 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		10.2 f	13.8 d	15.5 b		16.4 a	13.9 A
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		10.4 f	13.9 d	14.8 bc		16.9 a	14.0 A
	Mean		9.9 D	13.2 C	14.5 B		15.5 A	-
Variables		P-value				LSD0.05
Irrigation (I)		0.0000				0.3364
Genotypes (V)		0.0000				0.2379
Priming (P)		0.0000				0.3364
I x V		0.0001				0.4758
I x P		0.0001				0.6729
V x P		0.0014				0.4758
I x V x P		0.0000				0.3364

 

Table 4: Plant height (cm) of sunflower genotypes under the influence of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients.

Sub-plot (Genotypes)	Sub-sub plot (Sources of seed priming)	Main-plot (Frequencies of irrigation)				Mean
		Two irrigations	Three irrigations	Four irrigations	Five irrigations
HO-1	No priming	165.4 k-m	170.5 g-l	181.3 d-f	183.3 de	175.2 C
	Seed priming: canal water	167.7 i-m	172.9 f-k	213.5 ab	215.9 ab	192.5 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea	172.4 f-l	176.5 d-j	215.7 ab	216.3 ab	195.2 AB
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4	175.9 d-j	185.1 d	217.0 a	220.9 a	199.7 A
	Mean	170.4 D	176.2 C	206.9 A	209.1 A	190.7 A
Hysun-33	No priming	160.2 m	166.6 j-m	169.9 h-l	173.4 f-k	167.5 D
	Seed priming: canal water	162.4 lm	167.9 i-m	175.5 e-j	176.5 d-i	170.6 CD
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea	164.1 k-m	168.5 i-m	178.1 d-h	178.2 d-g	172.3 C
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4	166.7 j-m	170.9 d-i	179.3 d-h	180.5 d-f	174.4 C
	Mean	163.4 E	168.5 D	175.7 C	177.2 C	171.2 B
Averages	No priming	162.8 g	168.6 e-g	175.6 cd	178.4 c	171.3 C
	Seed priming: canal water	165.1 fg	170.4 c-e	194.3 ab	197.1 a	181.7 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea	168.3 e-g	172.5 d-f	195.8 a	198.7 a	183.0 AB
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4	171.3 d-f	178.0 c	197.5 a	198.4 a	186.3 A
	Mean	166.9 C	172.4 B	190.8 A	193.1 A	-
Variables		P-value			LSD0.05
Irrigation (I)		0.0000			3.2855
Genotypes (V)		0.0000			2.3232
Priming (P)		0.0000			3.2855
I x V		0.0000			4.6464
I x P		0.0029			6.5710
V x P		0.0001			4.6464
I x V x P		0.0209			9.2929

 

Table 5: Head diameter (cm) of sunflower genotypes under the influence of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients.

Sub-plot (Genotypes)	Sub-sub plot (Sources of seed priming)		Main-plot (Frequencies of irrigation)					Mean
			Two irrigations	Three irrigations	Four irrigations		Five irrigations
HO-1	No priming		21.0	23.0	24.0		23.5	22.9 C
	Seed priming: canal water		21.5	24.8	25.7		26.0	24.5 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		21.9	26.0	27.0		27.0	25.5 A
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		22.1	25.7	26.9		27.5	25.6 A
	Mean		21.6 D	24.9 B	25.9 A		26.0 A	24.6 A
Hysun-33	No priming		20.0	21.0	22.0		22.1	21.3 E
	Seed priming: canal water		20.5	21.3	22.3		22.5	21.6DE
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		20.8	22.6	23.1		23.3	22.5 CD
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		25.2	23.2	24.7		24.0	24.3 B
	Mean		21.6 D	22.0 D	23.0 C		23.0 C	22.4 B
Averages	No priming		20.5	22.0	23.0		22.8	22.1 D
	Seed priming: canal water		21.0	23.0	24.0		24.3	23.1 C
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		21.4	24.3	25.0		25.2	24.0 B
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		23.7	24.4	25.8		25.7	24.9 A
	Mean		21.6 C	23.4 B	24.5 A		24.5 A	-
Variables		P-value				LSD0.05
Irrigation (I)		0.0000				3.2855
Genotypes (V)		0.0000				2.3232
Priming (P)		0.0000				3.2855
I x V		0.0000				4.6464
I x P		0.0029				6.5710
V x P		0.0001				4.6464
I x V x P		0.0209				9.2929

 

irrigation frequencies produced improved height of plants followed by HO-1 × four irrigations. The best height of plants was observed in the interaction of seed priming with 0.2% ZnSO4 with five irrigations followed by interaction of priming with 1.0% urea on same irrigations. The genotype HO-1 produced highest plant height in priming of seed with 0.2% ZnSO4 followed by priming with 1.0% urea on same genotype. Five irrigation × HO-1 × priming of seed with 0.2% ZnSO4 showed finest height of plant followed by same genotype with four irrigations and interaction of same priming. Rehman et al. (2015) found that advanced plant height in ZnSO4 primed seeds may be credited to active role of zinc for different enzymes and hormones like alcohol dehydrogenises and RNA polymerase. The results agree with Kalroo et al. (2013) and Khan (2005) who disclosed that irrigation frequencies caused significant effect on plants height and rates of development. Similarly, our opposite results were reported by Amjed et al. (2013) who indicated that sunflower hybrid (Hysun-38) showed superiority in plan height in contrast to other cultivars. Darwesh et al. (2016) revealed that the irrigation scheduling significantly affected on plant height of sunflower.

Head diameter (cm)

Diameter of head is an essential and basic requirement of seed yield in sunflower crop. The potential of crop yield depends upon head size. It is clear from the data that sunflower head diameter was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by irrigation, genotypes, priming of seeds, irrigation × genotypes and genotypes × priming of seeds whereas, non-significantly (P≥0.05) by irrigation × seed priming and irrigations × genotypes × priming of seeds. The results (Table 5) indicated that five irrigations gave maximum head diameter followed by four irrigations having non-significant difference with each other. The highest head diameter was recorded in HO-1 genotype, followed by Hysun-33 with lowest head diameter. The highest diameter of head was observed in priming of seed with 0.2% ZnSO4 followed by 1.0% urea priming. As regards to irrigation × genotypes, the best diameter of head was recorded in the interaction of genotype HO-1 × five irrigation frequencies followed by HO-1 × four irrigation frequencies. The maximum head diameter was recorded in HO-1 genotype with interaction of 0.2% ZnSO4 followed by HO-1 genotype with interaction of same irrigation. These results are supported by conclusions of Moeinzadeh et al. (2010) who suggested that priming of seeds caused improvement in sunflower head diameter. Similarly, results of another study showed that priming of seeds demonstrated significant effect on sunflower head diameter (Jafri et al., 2015). Flagella et al. (2002) reported that diameter of sunflower head was enlarged with increased number of irrigation. The outcomes are further conformed by Fazel and Lack (2011) who determined that irrigation frequencies caused substantial influence on diameter of sunflower head. Darwesh et al. (2016) revealed that the irrigation scheduling had significantly affected on sunflower head diameter.

Weight of seeds head-1 (g)

The analysis of variance indicated a substantial (P≤0.05) influence of irrigation, genotypes, seed priming, and genotypes × seed priming on weight of seeds head-1 (g). However, non-substantial (P≥0.05) effect was revealed for irrigation × genotypes, irrigation × seed priming and irrigation × genotypes × priming of seeds. The results (Table 6) illustrated that highest weight of seeds head-1 was noted in five irrigations followed by four irrigations. Among genotypes, HO-1 produced maximum weight of seeds while lowest weight of seeds head-1 was observed in Hysun-33. The priming with 0.2% ZnSO4 produced highest weight of seeds head-1 seconded by priming with 1.0% Urea. The interaction of HO-1 x priming of seed with 0.2% ZnSO4, produced highest seed weight head-1 followed by same genotype in priming with 1.0% Urea. The results are also corroborated by Ghani et al. (2013) who suggested that seed priming exhibited significant impact on seed weight of sunflower. Sunflower yield was notably affected by irrigation frequencies Rady (2017). Buriro et al. (2015) stated that irrigation frequencies improved yield traits of sunflower. The findings of Darwesh et al. (2016) indicated the positive responses of sunflower in terms of seed weight by increasing irrigation frequencies. Demir and Mavi (2004) suggested that frequencies of irrigation significantly affected on yield contributing components of tested crop.

Seed yield (kg ha-1)

Seed yield is a major decision making tool used in agricultural crop which refers to output produced per unit area. The statistical analysis of data revealed that a significant (P≤0.05) effect on seed yield was caused by irrigation, genotypes, priming of seed, irrigation × priming of seed, and genotypes × priming of seed

 

Table 6: Weight of seeds head-1 (g) of sunflower genotypes under the influence of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients.

Sub-plot (Genotypes)	Sub-sub plot (Sources of seed priming)		Main-plot (Frequencies of irrigation)					Mean
			Two irrigations	Three irrigations	Four irrigations		Five irrigations
HO-1	No priming		43.3	53.0	53.7		55.4	51.4 CD
	Seed priming: canal water		45.0	58.3	69.5		72.4	61.3 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		47.3	62.3	77.7		79.3	66.7 AB
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		51.7	66.0	80.5		81.0	69.8 A
	Mean		46.8	59.9	70.4		72.0	62.3 A
Hysun-33	No priming		39.3	46.0	51.2		46.7	45.8 D
	Seed priming: canal water		40.7	47.3	55.3		55.5	49.7 CD
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		42.3	50.6	58.0		60.7	52.9 C
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		48.3	62.9	67.1		79.6	64.5 AB
	Mean		42.7	51.7	57.9		60.6	53.2 B
Averages	No priming		41.3	49.8	50.7		52.5	48.6 D
	Seed priming: canal water		42.8	56.9	59.8		62.4	55.5 C
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		44.8	61.5	65.0		67.9	59.8 B
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		50.0	72.8	72.0		73.8	67.1 A
	Mean		44.8 C	60.3 B	61.9 A		64.1 A	-
Variables		P-value				LSD0.05
Irrigation (I)		0.0002				3.9807
Genotypes (V)		0.0015				2.8148
Priming (P)		0.0000				3.9807
I x V		0.2411				-
I x P		0.2411				-
V x P		0.0569				5.6296
I x V x P		0.1487				-

 

Table 7: Seed yield (kg ha-1) of sunflower genotypes under the influence of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients.

Sub-plot (Genotypes)	Sub-sub plot (Sources of seed priming)		Main-plot (Frequencies of irrigation)					Mean
			Two irrigations	Three irrigations	Four irrigations		Five irrigations
HO-1	No priming		1500	1526	1801		1853	1670 D
	Seed priming: canal water		1463	1531	2321		2338	1913 BC
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		1495	1529	2414		2427	1966 B
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		1525	1662	2458		2478	2031 A
	Mean		1495	1562	2248		2274	1894 A
Hysun-33	No priming		1401	1421	1638		1713	1543 F
	Seed priming: canal water		1431	1474	2290		2323	1879 D
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		1460	1481	2388		2400	1932 CD
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		1501	1571	2417		2441	1982 B
	Mean		1448	1487	2183		2219	1834 B
Averages	No priming		1447 g	1474 fg	1780 d		1791 c	1623 D
	Seed priming: canal water		1450 g	1503 f	2319 bc		2332 bc	1901 C
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		1477 fg	1505 f	2439 ab		2443 ab	1966 B
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		1513 f	1616 e	2453 ab		2459 a	2010 A
	Mean		1472 C	1524 B	2247 A		2256 A	-
Variables		P-value				LSD0.05
Irrigation (I)		0.0000				23.853
Genotypes (V)		0.0007				16.867
Priming (P)		0.0000				23.853
I x V		0.3968				-
I x P		0.0000				47.706
V x P		0.0061				33.733
I x V x P		0.5246				-

 

Table 8: Harvest index (%) of sunflower genotypes under the influence of irrigation frequencies and seed priming with plant nutrients

Sub-plot (Genotypes)	Sub-sub plot (Sources of seed priming)		Main-plot (Frequencies of irrigation)					Mean
			Two irrigations	Three irrigations	Four irrigations		Five irrigations
HO-1	No priming		19.3	21.5	19.7		23.5	21.0
	Seed priming: canal water		20.0	21.8	23.5		23.9	22.3
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		20.1	21.7	23.7		23.9	22.3
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		21.9	21.9	24.3		24.1	23.1
	Mean		20.3	21.7	22.8		23.8	22.2 A
Hysun-33	No priming		18.9	19.4	19.6		21.7	19.9
	Seed priming: canal water		19.3	20.9	22.1		21.7	21.0
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		19.2	22.1	22.2		22.2	21.4
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		20.0	23.0	23.0		23.4	22.4
	Mean		19.4	21.4	21.7		22.3	21.2 B
Averages	No priming		19.1	20.5	19.6		22.6	20.4 C
	Seed priming: canal water		19.7	21.4	22.8		22.8	21.7 B
	Seed priming: 1.0% Urea		19.6	21.9	23.0		23.1	21.9 AB
	Seed priming: 0.2% ZnSO4		21.0	22.5	23.6		23.8	22.7 A
	Mean		19.8 C	21.5 B	22.3 AB		23.1 A	-
Variables		P-value				LSD0.05
Irrigation (I)		0.0680				1.1652
Genotypes (V)		0.0562				0.8239
Priming (P)		0.0006				1.1652
I x V		0.8092				-
I x P		0.5513				-
V x P		0.9267				-
I x V x P		0.8901				-

 

whereas, non-significant (P≥0.05) by irrigation × genotypes and irrigation × genotypes × priming of seed. The results (Table 7) illustrated that enhanced seed yield (kg ha-1) was noted in five irrigations followed by four irrigations. HO-1, genotype produced greatest yield while, lowest yield (kg ha-1) was observed in Hysun-33. The priming of seeds with 0.2% ZnSO4 resulted in highest seed yield (kg ha-1) followed by priming with 1.0% urea. The significantly higher seed yield (kg ha-1) was observed in seed priming with 0.2% ZnSO4 × five irrigations seconded by seed priming with 0.2% ZnSO4 × four irrigations. The HO-1 genotype × priming of seed with 0.2% ZnSO4 produced highest seed yields (kg ha-1) which was followed by same genotype in priming of seeds with 1.0% Urea. The results are corroborated by Bakht et al. (2010) who suggested seed priming exhibited significant impact on sunflower seed yield. Sunflower yield notably was affected by irrigation frequencies (Fazel and Lack, 2011). Buriro et al. (2015) stated that yield contributing traits were positively improved by irrigation managements, and proper irrigation frequencies. Similarly, Siddiqui and Oad (2015) indicated that responses of sunflower seed yield progressively increased with increasing frequencies of irrigations. Our findings are in agreement with Seghatoleslami et al. (2012) who concluded that irrigation significantly affected on yield components of crop under study. The results of Sharma and Parmar (2017) also support the outcomes of our study that seed yield of green pea increased at maximum level due to priming with 1% ZnSO4.

Harvest index (%)

The analysis of variance suggested that sunflower harvest index was considerably (P≤0.05) affected by irrigation, genotypes and priming of seeds while non-substantially (P≥0.05) by irrigation × priming, irrigation × genotypes, genotypes × priming and irrigation × genotypes × seeds priming. The data (Table 8) demonstrated that highest harvest index was recorded in five irrigations followed by four irrigations. In genotypes, HO-1 proved better by producing maximum harvest index in contrast to Hysun-33. The priming with 0.2% ZnSO4 resulted in considerably (P ≤ 0.05) highest harvest index followed by priming with 1.0% urea. The findings of this study are in accordance with Moeinzadeh et al. (2010) who displayed that seed priming exhibited boost in harvest index %. Appreciable impact on sunflower harvest index % was also reported by Jafri et al. (2015). Ghani et al. (2013) concluded that positive impact of diverse periods of irrigation was recorded on sunflower harvest index %. Our findings are also corroborated by Khaliq and Cheema (2015) who suggested that irrigation application caused significant influence on harvest index %.

 

Conclusions and Recommendations

It is concluded that irrigation frequencies and seed priming sources caused substantial effect on growth and yields traits of sunflower genotypes. Four irrigations were found appropriate for obtaining optimal seed yield. The priming of seeds with 0.2% ZnSO4 provided highest results for most of the studied traits particularly seed yield. The genotype HO-1 (OP) surpassed Hysun-33 (Hybrid) in all growth and yield attributes particularly seed yield. Hence, sunflower genotype HO-1 may preferably be sown under agro-climatic conditions of Tandojam and be primed with 0.2% ZnSO4 and irrigated four times for achieving enhanced seed yield of sunflower crop.

 

Acknowledgments

This original research article is prepared from the PhD thesis submitted at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam.

 

Novelty Statement

Priming of seeds with ZnSO4 improved growth and yield of sunflower and saved irrigation water.

 

Author’s Contribution

MNK planned experiment and prepared manuscript.ZAA conducted experiment and collected data. AAS played role as guide. NL provided research material.MIK edited manuscript. ANS interpreted results. GMJ analysed data.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

 

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