Boron Foliage Application Mediates Growth, Oil Yield and Quality of Sunflower in Yermosols of Southern Punjab

摘要

Sunflower is sensitive to boron (B) deficiency and requires greater quantities to fulfill metabolic activities. A pot experiment was conducted to examine the role of B in oil yield and quality of sunflower. The experiment was consisted of two sunflower hybrids viz., S-278 and Hysun-33 with four B concentrations viz., control (0%), 1, 1.5 and 2% as foliar application. Results revealed that foliar applied 1% B significantly improved sunflower growth, yield and quality in both hybrids except capitulum diameter and oil contents, which were recorded better in 1.5% B. Between hybrids, S-278 produced maximum stem diameter, number of achenes per capitulum, 1000-achene weight, achene and biological yield and chlorophyll contents with 1% B and capitulum diameter and oil contents at 1.5% B application. Moreover, hybrid S-278 had maximum capitulum and stem diameter, number of achenes per capitulum, 1000-achene weight, achene and biological yield, chlorophyll contents and oleic acid while hybrid Hysun-33 showed significantly maximum plant height, oil and protein contents, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acid. Furthermore, plant height, linoleic and stearic acid was maximum in Hysun-33 with 1% B. Protein contents, oleic and palmitic acid interaction was found non-significant. In crux, application of 1% and 1.5% B significantly improved the growth, yield and quality of sunflower.