Growth Of Sunflower Research Articles

TeenyNet: a novel lightweight attention model for sunflower disease detection

Sunflower is one of the oilseed crops which is popularly and widely cultivated globally and contributes significantly to human health. Leaf diseases of sunflower seriously affect the growth and yield of sunflower, which directly leads to the loss of agricultural economy. However, existing machine learning algorithms and deep learning techniques are mainly based on large models with attention mechanisms, which lack considerations in computational performance, especially model size. Therefore, this study proposes a lightweight model called TeenyNet to break through the dilemma. First, the designed global multi-frequency feature extraction module decomposes the image to extract multi-frequency multi-scale features. Then, a parameter-free maximum pooling layer further extracts edge and texture features and simplifies the network complexity through downsampling, after which the proposed lightweight dual fusion attention and multi-branching structure fuses all the feature vectors to enhance multidimensional feature learning and accelerate the model convergence. Finally, the fully connected linear layer solves the multi-classification problem of sunflower disease under natural illumination background conditions. The experimental results show that TeenyNet obtains the highest accuracy of 98.94% for sunflower disease recognition with a minimum size of 143 KB and has better recognition performance in comparison experiments. TeenyNet can be effectively used for the detection of sunflower leaf diseases to achieve disease prevention and control.

Assessment of heavy metals contamination and ecological risk of roadside agricultural soil, used for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivation

The present study is an attempt for comprehensive assessment of the pollution intensity and corresponding ecological risk of heavy metals including Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Sb for agricultural soil, located alongside the national road II-81 in Bulgaria, used for the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivation, by various factors and indices calculation. In total, 18 surface soil samples (0 - 20 cm depth) were collected at distances 11 m, 36 m and 61 m from the road edge at two sunflower plants’ growth stages: vegetative (V-3) and maturity (R9). The total concentrations of heavy metals of soil samples, collected at two different sunflower growth stages were used for assessment of the potential ecological risk. Based on the results for the potential ecological risk index, pollution load index, enrichment factor, contamination factor and the degree of contamination, calculated from the average total concentrations, considerable pollution of the tested agricultural soil was observed, mainly with Sb. The values of enrichment factor show that with the exception of Fe, Cr and Ni the rest of the tested heavy metals are mostly from anthropogenic sources. There are strong, not statistically significant correlations between the enrichment factors, ecological risk index, pollution load index and contamination degree and the distance from the road edge and strong correlations between enrichment factors of heavy metals related to the road traffic emissions and the distance from the road edge. The values of the factors and indices above mentioned are lower at the growth stage R9 than at the growth stage V-3 that shows the sunflower capacity of accumulation of the tested heavy metals.

A Sustainable Approach: Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Growth, Phenology and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A Sustainable Approach: Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Growth, Phenology and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The impact of acid rain on cadmium phytoremediation in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Sunflower is an ideal crop for phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated farmland, as it brings economic benefits while conducting soil remediation. Due to industrial emissions and car exhaust, Cd contaminated areas are often accompanied by acid rain. However, the impact of acid rain on the Cd remediation capacity of sunflowers and its potential influencing factors are unclear. An experiment was manipulated to elucidate the effects of Cd concentration (0,10,50,100 μmol/L) and acid rain (pH 4.0) on the phytoremediation ability of sunflowers, in which the properties of them were explored. The results indicated that Cd stress is the main factor affecting the growth of sunflowers. Without AR, Cd treatment decreased sunflower biomass by 67.5–85.6%. Under AR, Cd treatment decreased sunflower biomass 53.9–86.4%. Compared without AR, the relative chlorophyll content with AR increased by 22.3–23.1%, while the YII with AR decreased by 6.5–20.0%. There was an interaction between acid rain and Cd stress on antioxidant enzyme activity. With AR, CAT activity at 0 μmol/L Cd treatment increased by 25.6%, compared without AR. Whether there is acid rain or not, the POD and SOD activities were increased at 10, 50 μmol/L Cd treatment, but they were decreased at 100 μmol/L Cd treatment. Among them, acid rain exacerbated the impact of POD activity (decreased by 31.4%) at 100 μmol/L Cd treatment and SOD activity (decreased by 15.1%) at 50 μmol/L Cd treatment, compared without AR. In this experiment, the phytoremediation capacity of sunflowers mainly depended on the concentration of Ca in the leaves and their antioxidant capacity. Acid rain enhanced 77.5% the total Cd accumulation at 10 μmol/L Cd treatment, compared without AR. Acid rain exacerbated the damage of Cd to the chloroplast structure of sunflowers, and reduced the accumulation of starch particles. The study findings may be useful for improving the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil.

Sulphur and Micronutrient Impact on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Yield and Nutrient Uptake

Soil composition, fertilizer quality, and fertilizer type are all important factors in the growth and yield of sunflowers. Fertilizers are generally used to replenish the soil with essential nutrients that are necessary for optimal sunflower growth and yield. To assess the impact of elemental Sulphur (S) supplementation on the yield of sunflower crops, a field experiment was conducted in December 2021 in Maharashtra soil. The trial was arranged in a Randomized Block Design with five treatments, each replicated five times.T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF i.e. Recommended NPK 80:60:40 only), T3 (Recommended NPK with 40kg/ha Elemental S), T4 (Recommended NPK with 40kg/ha along with foliar spray of micronutrients (Cu 1.0%,Zn 3.0%,Mn 1.0%,Fe 2.5%,B 0.5%,Mo 0.1%)],T5 (Recommended NPK with foliar spray of micronutrients(Cu 1.0%,Zn 3.0%,Mn 1.0%,Fe 2.5%,B 0.5%,Mo 0.1%). The application of a recommended dose of fertilizer and 40 kg/ha of elemental sulphur along with a foliar spray of micronutrients (T4) combined had a significant effect on the sunflower seed yield and quality. The utilization of a prescribed dosage of fertilizer and 40 kg/ha of elemental sulphur together had a noteworthy result on the sunflower seed yield and quality. The integration of sulphur amplified the all-inclusive nutrient concentration and their absorption by the sunflower.

Exploring the effect of zinc and boron application on oil contents, protein contents, growth and yield of sunflower

Sunflower is sensitive to boron (B) and zinc (Zn) deficiency when grown on deficient soil, A field experiment was conducted to determine the main and interactive effects of soil applied Zn and B on total production of sunflower at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBI) with factorial arrangement using three replications with net plot size of 6 m x 4.5 m. The soil application of variable levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) and B (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha-1) in the form of zinc sulphate and boric acid, respectively were applied at time of sowing. All other agronomic and plant protection practices were kept uniform. The data regarding growth, yield and quality parameters were noted by using standard procedures. Results showed that Zn @ 20 kg ha-1 and B @ 3 kg ha-1 significantly increased the number of plants per plot at harvest, stem diameter, head diameter, number of achenes per head, 1000-achene weight, biological yield and days to maturity, achene yield kg per, harvest index, leaf concentrations or Zn at heading stage, leaf concentrations of B at heading stage (ppm), achene oil content (%), achene protein contents as compared to control. This study concluded that higher growth and yield of sunflower can be achieved by application of Zn at 20 kg ha-1 and B at 3 kg ha-1 under Faisalabad conditions.

Effects of dual mulching with wheat straw and plastic film under three irrigation regimes on soil nutrients and growth of edible sunflower

Effects of dual mulching with wheat straw and plastic film under three irrigation regimes on soil nutrients and growth of edible sunflower

Biochar Decreases Cr Toxicity and Accumulation in Sunflower Grown in Cr(VI)-Polluted Soil.

Biochar is preferentially recommended for the remediation of heavy metal-polluted soils. Sunflower is an important high-biomass oil crop with a promising potential for phytoremediation of Cr(VI)-polluted soil. However, how biochar affects sunflower growth and Cr accumulation in Cr(VI)-polluted soil needs to be elucidated. Here, a pot culture experiment was conducted to study whether soil amendment with biochar (0, 0.1%, 1%, and 5%, w/w) can mitigate Cr toxicity and accumulation in sunflower seedlings grown in soils artificially polluted with different levels of Cr(VI) (0, 50, and 250 mg Cr(VI)/kg soil). The addition of Cr(VI) exhibited significant phytotoxicity, as evidenced by inhibited plant growth and even the death of seedlings at 250 mg/kg Cr(VI). Overall, biochar amendment showed positive effects on plant growth and Cr immobilization, dependent on both the biochar dose and Cr addition level. When 50 mg/kg Cr(VI) was added, 1% biochar showed positive effects similar to 5% biochar on improving plant growth and mineral nutrition (particularly K), reducing Cr content in shoots and roots, and decreasing Cr availability and Cr(VI) content in the soil. In comparison with non-amendment, 1% and 5% biochar caused 85% and 100% increase in shoot dry weights, and 75% and 86% reduction in shoot Cr concentrations, respectively. When 250 mg/kg Cr(VI) was added, a 5% dose produced much better benefits than 1%, while a 0.1% dose did not help plants to survive. Overall, an appropriate dose of biochar enhanced Cr(VI) immobilization and subsequently decreased its toxicity and accumulation in sunflower seedlings. Our findings confirm that biochar can be used as an efficient amendment for the remediation of Cr(VI)-polluted soils and cleaner production of sunflower oil and biomass.

Effect of Biochar on Growth and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) in Non-saline Tidal Area of Bangladesh

Biochar is an organic amendment used for crop production. A piece of research work was conducted in the field laboratory of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali to observe the effect of biochar on the growth and yield of sunflowers. There were four treatments as Control, 5 tons ha-1 biochar, 10 tons ha-1 biochar, and 20 tons ha-1 biochar. A significant difference was found in the plant height, number of leaves, length of leaves, number of seed head-1, head diameter, seed weight head-1, 1000 seed weight, yield, and stover yields when different biochar doses were applied. The highest plant height (181.37 cm), number of leaves (20.82), leaf length (45.84 cm), number of seed head-1 (677.13), head diameter (20.63 cm), total seed weight head-1 (68.19 g), 1000 seed weight (65.49 g), grain yield (3.42 tons ha-1) and stover yield (5.79 tons ha-1) was recorded from 20 tons ha-1 treatment. Biochar of 20 tons ha-1 could be recommended for higher growth and yield of sunflower.

Effect of Foliar Application of Boron, Zinc and Manganese on Growth, Yield and Oil Contents of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A field trial was conducted to assess the effect of exogenously applied boron, zinc and manganese on growth, yield and oil contents of sunflower at Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during Spring, 2019. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used for the allocation of treatments with 3 replications. Seed was sown using dibbler on 75 cm apart ridges. Foliar treatments included T0= Control, T1= Water spray, T2= 0.6% boron (B), T3= 0.6% zinc (Zn), T4= 0.6% manganese (Mn), T5= 0.3% B+0.3% Zn, T6= 0.3% B+0.3% Mn, T7= 0.3% Zn+0.3% Mn and T8= 0.2% B+0.2% Zn+0.2% Mn). Boron, Zinc and Manganese were sprayed at 35 days and 55 days after sowing keeping Borax (H3BO3), Zinc Sulphate (ZnSo4) and Manganese Sulphate (MnSo4) as sources of B, Zn and Mn, respectively. Various phenological, physiological and agronomical traits were monitored and analysed. Spray of 0.2% B+0.2% Zn+0.2% Mn gave the high values of traits including number of achenes per head, 1000-achene weight (g), achene yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1), harvest index (%), oil yield (kg ha-1) and achene-oil content (%).

Nutritional effect of zinc and boron on growth, yield and oil content of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The experiment was conducted to assess the impactofZn and B application on sunflower growth, yield and oil content in sub-tropical condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with twelve treatmentsand replicated thrice. The treatments comprised viz; T1: Without fertilizers (absolute control), T2: RDF (N80P40K40), T3: N80P40K40Zn0.5%, T4: N80P40K40Zn4, T5: N80P40K40B0.2%, T6: N80P40K40B2, T7:N80P40K40Zn0.5%B0.2%,T8: N80P40K40Zn4B2, T9:N80P40K40Zn4Zn0.5%, T10: N80P40K40Zn4B0.2%, T11: N80P40K40B2B0.2%, T12: N80P40K40B2Zn0.5%.From the experimental results recorded it can be concluded that the growth and yield components of the tested crop were significantly influenced by the application of micronutrients as compared to the control (without fertilizer) and recommended dose of fertilizer alone. Among the treatmentsapplication of N80P40K40Zn4B2foundhigher diameter of capitulum (17.72 cm), number of seeds per capitulum (763), seed weight per capitulum(48.98 g), seed yield (2563 kg/ha) and oil yield (1097 kg/ha) of hybrid sunflower (variety KBSH 78) accounting 35.49%,43.25%, 26.66%, 46.50% and 51.32% more than control.

The Impact Of Asphalt Material And Soil Salinity On Crop Growth Of Sunflower

The sunflower represents a significant economic annual plant (oilproducing and edible). Even though the sunflower is categorized as one of the most salt-tolerant plant types and is treated as a significant plant in saline soil reclamation, the rate of its photosynthetic and growth are adversely influenced by high levels of salt in the soil, significantly when the groundwater level rises on the soil surface, which in turn causes the raising of soil salinity. Therefore, there is a critical need to control salt accumulation to increase sunflower crop yields. An evaluation of the impact of asphalt material, soil salinity, groundwater table depth, and soluble ions on the growth of sunflower crops is presented in this paper. Several treatments were used in this study: asphalt material, bitumen material, and controlling treatment. The experiments were conducted, calibrated, and validated during the season of spring 2019. The results show a considerable reduction in soil salinity and groundwater table depth regarding the asphalt material control aspect, thus increasing the growth properties of the sunflower crops. Keywords: Growth of Sunflower, Asphalt and Bitumen Materials, Soil Salinity, Soluble Ions, Groundwater Table Depth.

Influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). To determine the “Influence of phosphorus and sulphur on growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)”, The results showed that treatment 9 [Phosphorus (60 kg/ha) + Sulphur 25 kg/ha] recorded significantly higher plant height (123.10 cm), higher plant dry weight (91.03 g). Where as, higher number of seeds/capitulum (412.00), higher test weight (50.50 g), higher seed yield (1.25 t/ha), higher Stalk yield (3.44 t/ha), higher oil content (40.37%), was recorded in treatment 9 [Phosphorus (60 kg/ha) + Sulphur 25 kg/ha). Similarly, maximum gross returns (83,440.00 INR/ha), higher net returns (55,851.25 INR/ha), and highest benefit cost ratio (2.02) was also recorded in treatment 9 [Phosphorus (60kg/ha) +Sulphur (25kg/ha)], as compared to other treatments.

And Kamethur on Growth And Productivity of Sunflowerstudying the Effect of Plant Growth Regulators Ivin, Methyur

In field conditions, the effect of plant growth regulators Ivin (N-oxide-2,6-dimethylpyridine), Methyur (sodium salt of 6-methyl-2-mercapto-4-hydroxypyrimidine), Kamethur (potassium salt of 6-methyl-2-mercapto-4-hydroxypyrimidine) on growth and productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) variety Bastion was studied. The growth-regulating activity of plant growth regulators Ivin, Methyur and Kamethur was compared with the growth-regulating activity of the auxin IAA (1H-Indol-3-yl)acetic acid). It was found that the treatment of seeds before planting in the soil with water solutions of Ivin, Methyur and Kamethur, used at a concentration of 10-7M, contributes to an increase in morphological parameters (length of shoot and root, fresh weight of plant and basket) and biochemical parameters (content of chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids) of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) variety Bastion grown in field conditions for 3 months. The growth-regulating activity of plant growth regulators Ivin, Methyur and Kamethur was higher than the growth-regulating activity of the auxin IAA used at the same concentration of 10-7M. The obtained results confirmed the possibility of using plant growth regulators Ivin, Methyur and Kamethur to increase the length of shoot and root, fresh weight of the plant and basket, and the content of chlorophylls in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) variety Bastion.

Pantoea conspicua promoted sunflower growth and engulfed rhizospheric arsenate by secreting exopolysaccharide

A rhizobacterium, Pantoea conspicua, was examined against sunflower seedlings' growth under arsenate stress. Sunflower upon exposure to arsenate resulted in compromised growth that might be due to the accumulation of higher concentrations of arsenate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in seedlings' tissues. The deposited arsenate led to oxidative damage and electrolyte leakage, making the sunflower seedlings vulnerable to compromise its growth and development. However, inoculation of sunflower seedlings with P. conspicua alleviated arsenate stress in host by initiating a multilayered defence mechanism. In fact, P. conspicua filtered out 75.1% of the arsenate from growth medium that were available to the plant roots in the absence of the said strain. To accomplish such activity, P. conspicua secreted exopolysaccharides as well as altered lignification in host roots. The arsenate (24.9%) that made its way to plant tissues was countered by helping the host seedlings to produce higher levels of indole acetic acid, non enzymatic antioxidants (phenolics and flavonoids) and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbte peroxidase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase). As a result, ROS accumulation and electrolyte leakage were brought back to normal levels as observed in control seedlings. Hence, the rhizobacterium associated host seedlings achieved higher net assimilation (127.7%) and relative growth rate (113.5%) under 100 ppm of arsenate stress. The work concluded that P. conspicua alleviated arsenate stress in the host plants by imposing physical barrier as well as improving host seedlings’ physiology and biochemistry.

Organic substitution improves soil structure and water and nitrogen status to promote sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) growth in an arid saline area

Organic substitution improves soil structure and water and nitrogen status to promote sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) growth in an arid saline area

Effect of paclobutrazol on physiology, growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Effect of paclobutrazol on physiology, growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Influence of Sulphur and Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of (ZAID) Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Background: The field experiment was carried out during Zaid 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36 %), available N (171 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (233 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice on the basis of one year experimentation. The treatments which are T1: Sulphur 15 kg/ha + Zinc 0.2%, T2: Sulphur 15 kg/ha + Zinc 0.3%, T3: Sulphur 15 kg/ha + Zinc 0.4%, T4: Sulphur 25 kg/ha + Zinc 0.2%, T5: Sulphur 25 kg/ha + Zinc 0.3%, T6: Sulphur 25 kg/ha + Zinc 0.4%, T7: Sulphur 35 kg/ha + Zinc 0.2%, T8: Sulphur 35 kg/ha + Zinc 0.3%, T9: Sulphur 35 kg/ha + Zinc 0.4%, T10: Control are used. The results showed that application of Sulphur 35 kg/ha + Zinc 0.4% recorded significantly higher plant height (111.00 cm), Number of leaves/plant (12.00), Stem Diameter (5.80 cm), Plant dry weight (55.99 g/plant), Seeds/capitulum (216.66), unfilled Seeds/capitulum (35.00), Test weight (62.57 g), Seed yield (1935.60 kg/ha), stalk yield (4942.4 kg/ha), Harvest index (56.07 %), gross returns (Rs.1,16,136.00/ha), net return (Rs.82,486.00/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.45).

Macroalgal-derived alginate/wastepaper hydrogel to alleviate sunflower drought stress

Main conclusionAlginate/wastepaper hydrogel mitigated sunflower drought stress by increasing the water holding capacity of the soil and decreasing phosphate leaching. The hydrogel promoted sunflower growth and decreased stress related biomarkers.There is a growing interest in the development of biodegradable hydrogels for the alleviation of drought stress on plants. A novel hydrogel based on brown algal-derived alginate and wastepaper was developed and tested as a soil supplement for sunflower growth under moderate (75% field capacity (FC)) and extreme (50% FC) water-deficit stress. The hydrogel showed fast swelling in water, which obeyed the pseudo-first order kinetics. Besides, it increased the water holding capacity of the soil and exhibited a good phosphate adsorption (37 mg PO4− g−1 hydrogel after 6 days) in the soil, and more than 67% of the adsorbed phosphate was desorbed after 20 days. Thus, the phosphate leaching from the hydrogel-amended soil in a column experiment was only 2.77 mg after 4 times of over-irrigation, compared to 11.91 mg without the hydrogel. The hydrogel application promoted various root traits such as fresh and dry biomass, area, and length by > 2-, > 1.6-, > 1.35-, and > 1.3-folds under both water regimes in relation to the no-hydrogel treatments at the same conditions. Furthermore, the sunflower shoots exhibited similar proline contents to the well-watered control (100% FC), with > 50% reduction in relation to the drought-stressed plants under the same conditions. Similarly, the malondialdehyde contents were lowered by > 15%. The analysis of the antioxidant enzymes also indicated a marked reduction in the specific activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase under both 75 and 50% FC compared to the respective controls. Additionally, the hydrogel promoted the uptake of phosphate by sunflower roots. These results implied that the developed biodegradable hydrogel could be effectively applied as a soil additive to alleviate drought stress on crops.

Profiling and geographical distribution of seed oil content of sunflower in Ukraine

The sunflower has the potential to be a highly competitive crop owing to its diversity market and the valuable oil it produces. Nevertheless, the amount of sunflower seed oil – a key factor for the crushing industry – is affected by genotype and environment, which sometimes is difficult to predict. The paper analyzes the theoretical principles of sunflower growth in Ukraine, highlights the current trends in the sowing of this crop, the influence of climatic factors of the environment on the prospects of the oilseed sunflower yield. The results of the research are presented for 3 years (2014–2016), during the authors conducted a grain quality observatory at the regional level, taking into account the climatic conditions of sunflower growth in different natural zones of Ukraine (from 45° to 51° north latitude and from 22° to 37° east longitude). Additionally, the research includes the coefficient of significance of the deviation from long-term climatic indicators, which makes it possible to forecast sunflower yield in the future. The analyzed data was obtained from the commercial fields with a minimum area of 40 ​ha in all Ukrainian regions except Crimea peninsula, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The results obtained in research show the great diversity of oil content index as per both latitude and longitude meaning. If we consider the entire country, this survey shows that the seed oil content can change dramatically from year to year: e.g. 47.5% in one year versus 45.7% in another year. Regionally, these changes have a completely different dynamic with a gradual decrease in seed oil content in the southern part of the country. The main goal of the research was to identify the best sunflower growing areas in Ukraine according to the oil content index.