Characterization of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes using laboratory techniques

Twelve genotypes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), which comprised four hybrids APSH-11, BSH-1, KBSH-1 and PSFH-67 and their parental lines (one fe male parent CMS234A being common to three of the hybrids), were characteriz ed using laboratory techniques to analyse seed and seedling attributes. The se were distinguished on the basis of seed morphology (visual and image ana lysis), anthocyanin pigmentation in hypocotyl in response to P-deficient nu trient medium, seedling sensitivity to herbicide metribuzin, soluble seed p rotein profiles and esterase and alcohol dehydrogenase isoenzymes in dry an d 3-day old germinating seed respectively. Soluble protein profile and este rase isoenzyme patterns were most promising in distinguishing different gen otypes, but simple tests like anthocyanin pigmentation in P-deficient mediu m and seed morphological features were also useful in characterization and grouping of sunflower genotypes in distinct classes.