Manipulation for synchronization of flowering of parental lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) hybrid

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to study synchronization of flowering in parental lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus hybrid 'KBSH 1 ' having a gap of 7-11 days in flowering under different agro-climatic conditions. Seed treatment with simple hydration to the female parent and with GA3 (50 ppm) to the male parent for 18 hours before sowing and spraying urea (1%) thrice on alternate days at the button formationw stage to the male parent resulted in a good degree of synchrony in flowering between the parental lines. The optimum sowing time suggested is first fortnight of January under northern India conditions.