The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between SSR based genetic distance (GD) of new NS sunflower inbred lines and heterosis for six agronomic traits. Twenty three sunflower inbred lines (20 restorer lines and three female lines used as testers) and their hybrids were examined for plant height, head diameter, thousand seed mass, oil content, seed yield per plant and oil yield per plant. Significant heterosis was observed in hybrid combinations for all examined traits except oil content.

Since corn is grown in climatically diverse regions and under different production conditions, assuming that high salinity in the substrate affect corn seed performance, such conditions were simulated in this study in order to examine their effects on seedling geminability and length in several corn genotypes. The study showed that the tested seeds tolerated the stress conditions up to a certain point. The studied genotypes differed in level of resistance to the stress conditions.

Assuming that drought affects corn seed performance, such conditions were simulated in this study in order to examine their effects on seedling geminability and length in several corn genotypes. The study showed that the tested seeds tolerated the stress conditions up to a certain point. The studied genotypes differed in level of resistance to the stress conditions. Salt concentrations were determined, which were capable of negatively affecting seed germinability and seedling growth.

Assuming that drought affects corn seed performance, such conditions were simulated in this study in order to examine their effects on seedling geminability and length in several corn genotypes. The study showed that the tested seeds tolerated the stress conditions up to a certain point. The studied genotypes differed in level of resistance to the stress conditions. Salt concentrations were determined, which were capable of negatively affecting seed germinability and seedling growth.