In a sand culture experiment, the seed of the two cultivars (Hysun-33 and SF-187) were exposed to varying levels of nickel (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg Ni L-1). Nickel was applied using NiSO4 and mixed in Hoaglands nutrient solution prior to sowing. Data for various water relation parameters were recorded for five 7-day intervals. Results revealed that changed in water, osmotic and turgor potential more apparent at early growth stages as compared to adult stage. Moreover, osmotic potential was more drastically reduced under nickel stress as compared to water potential. Both sunflower hybrids showed turgor maintenance that indicated nickel tolerance potential of these hybrids. Overall, SF-187 showed less reduction in water potential and greater maintenance of turgor which was attributed to grater ability of this hybrid to accumulate compatible solutes like soluble sugars and proline.

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