Open Access

ARTICLE

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Hybrids: Strategic Crossbreeding Techniques to Efficiently Enhance Yield and Oil Quality

Fida Hussain^1,*, Farooq Khan², Javed Ahmad¹, Heqiang Huo³, Tao Jiang³, Iqrar Rana⁴, Sajida Habib⁵, Muhammad Umer Farooq^1,*

1 Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, 38850, Pakistan
2 Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
3 Mid-Florida Research & Education Center, Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Apopka, FL 32703, USA
4 Center of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
5 Oilseeds Research Institute (ORI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, 38850, Pakistan

* Corresponding Authors: Fida Hussain. Email: ; Muhammad Umer Farooq. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Enhancing Grain Yield: From Molecular Mechanisms to Sustainable Agriculture)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2025, 94(10), 3231-3249. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2025.069654

Received 27 June 2025; Accepted 28 September 2025; Issue published 29 October 2025

Abstract

The analysis of combining ability and heterosis is very important in enhancing the yield and oil quality of sunflowers under adverse conditions, and it reveals the potential of the parents and the mechanism of gene action. In this study, twenty-one hybrids were developed by crossing seven cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines with three restorer lines and evaluated for agronomic and quality traits. Highly significant general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were observed, confirming the role of both additive and non-additive gene actions. Among the tested crosses, A-42 × R-86, A-92 × R-86, and A-92 × R-114 exhibited the greatest heterotic advantage, with seed yields exceeding 340 kg ha⁻¹ over the better parent, oil contents above 19%, and 100-seed weights greater than 27 g. The hybrid A-92 × R-114 was particularly notable for its elevated oleic acid level and balanced fatty acid profile, making it a strong candidate for premium oilseed production. In contrast, hybrids like A-20 × R-39 exhibited moderate heterosis and less quality superiority. The oleic-to-linoleic acid ratio, a key determinant of oil stability, was strongly controlled by genetic factors. Oil content was largely influenced by additive effects, whereas yield heterosis was predominantly governed by non-additive effects. Overall, A-42 × R-86 and A-92 × R-114 emerged as the most promising hybrids, combining yield benefits with improved oil quality, and offering practical guidance for parental selection in sunflower breeding programs.

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material File

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