Analysis of Relationships between Traits and New Sunflower Hybrids using the GT Biplot Method under Dryland and Irrigated Conditions in Golestan Province

Extended Abstract Background: Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) is one of the most important sources of vegetable oil production that plays a pivotal role in food security, income, and livelihood of Iranian farmers. Currently, drought and the resulting stress are among the most common environmental stresses that lead to yield reduction, especially in dry and rainfed areas. Like most crops, sunflower productivity is significantly impacted by drought stress. Therefore, effective solutions are essential to mitigate drought stress. Given that sunflower hybrids are now cultivated as commercial varieties, it is crucial to produce superior hybrids with high seed and oil yields that are also tolerant to abiotic stress, considering climate change and aridity. The genotype-trait (GT) biplot analysis is a powerful statistical method that can identify correlations among traits by evaluating genotypes across multiple traits and identifying genotypes that excel in specific characteristics. This study employed the GT biplot method to explore the interrelationships