Performance evaluation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes for quantitative traits at Afar region, Ethiopia

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is among the major industrial crops worldwide. However, sunflower production and area coverage in Ethiopia are low compared to other countries. As a result, evaluating genotypes and recommending them for optimal locations is crucial for expanding sunflower cultivation area and productivity. So, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotypes of sunflowers in Werer, Ethiopia. Ten sunflower genotypes and three check varieties were assessed over a two-year period at the Werer Agricultural Research Center using a randomized complete block design with four replications. According to the analysis of variance results, there were statistically significant differences between the tested experimental materials for every trait that was examined. The mean values for seed yield ranged from 1161.11 to 2346.67 kg ha⁻¹, with an overall mean of 1752.49 kg ha⁻¹. The check variety Ayehu had the highest seed yield (2346.67 kg ha⁻¹), followed by the genotypes Adadi-II-1/3 (2085.19 kg ha⁻¹), Adadi-III-1/1 (2077.77 kg ha⁻¹), and Adadi-IV-1/4 (1975.9 kg ha⁻¹). The current findings suggest that sunflower cultivation is suitable for the studied location.