Determination of the performances and adoption levels of sunflower cultivars based on resistance to broomrape in farm conditions in Thrace region

Abstract

About 65% of sunflower production in Turkey, which is the world’s 11th largest producer of sunflower based on the FAO data, occurs in the Thrace region. The biggest problem in sunflower areas in the Thrace region is broomrape (Orobanche cernua L.). Three types of sunflower cultivars are planted in the region, namely hybrids genetically resistant to broomrape (GRH), nonresistant ones (NRH) and IMI (Imidazolinone) herbicide resistant ones (IMIH), which control both broomrape and key weeds in sunflower production. The adoption situation and the performances of these three sunflower hybrid types were studied in the research. The research data was obtained from 571 agricultural enterprises, which were determined based on the Stratified Random Sampling Method in the Thrace region. Sunflower is grown on 42% of the total cultivated land surveyed in the research and accounts for 23% of the total agricultural revenue. The adoption rate and degree of IMIH and GRH sunflower hybrids were calculated to be over 90%. The highest yield (1,915.10 kg ha-1) was obtained from GRH hybrids in the research areas. A high yielding potential and easier weed control are seen by the farmers as being among the most important factors for choosing a particular type of sunflower seed. Statistical differences were observed among the sunflower hybrid types based on seed yield, revenue, and seed amounts. The highest net profit was obtained from GRH hybrids in the study. Additionally, based on the results, NRH hybrids were found to be more profitable than IMI hybrids.