Sunflower Production Research Articles

The Effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Aims: To study the effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-2023 in the Instructional Farm of Ramkrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nimpith, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with eleven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments were Control, 50% N, 100% N (90 kg N/ha), Azospirillum (seed treatment), Azatobacter (seed treatment), Azospirillum +Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N + Azospirillum (seed treatment), 50% N + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N +Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 75% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment) and 100% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment). A common dose of Nitrogen@ 90kg/ha, phosphorus @90kg/ha and potash @40kg/ha were applied. Results: Higher head diameter (13.82 cm), 1000 seed weight (65.50 g), seed yield (1830 kg/ha), oil yield (628.80 kg/ha), gross return (Rs.48581), net return (Rs.26368) and B:C (2.19) than all other treatment followed by T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) and T3 (100% N) which were statistically at par with each other. Conclusion: On the basis of all parameter as well as economics it can be concluded that treatment T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) can be recommended for better benefit and sustainable production of sunflower. The results of this experiment showed that use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by using a combination of bio-fertilizers and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer.

Mitigation salinity stress using magnetically treated water and Chlorella spalgae extract on sunflower productivity

Mitigation salinity stress using magnetically treated water and Chlorella spalgae extract on sunflower productivity

Pangenome Data Analysis Reveals Characteristics of Resistance Gene Analogs Associated with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Resistance in Sunflower

The sunflower, an important oilseed crop and food source across the world, is susceptible to several pathogens, which cause severe losses in sunflower production. The utilization of genetic resistance is the most economical, effective measure to prevent infectious diseases. Based on the sunflower pangenome, in this study, we explored the variability of resistance gene analogs (RGAs) within the species. According to a comparative analysis of RGA candidates in the sunflower pangenome using the RGAugury pipeline, a total of 1344 RGAs were identified, comprising 1107 conserved, 199 varied, and 38 rare RGAs. We also identified RGAs associated with resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum) in sunflower at the quantitative trait locus (QTL). A total of 61 RGAs were found to be located at four quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Through a detailed expression analysis of RGAs in one susceptible and two tolerant sunflower inbred lines (ILs) across various time points post inoculation, we discovered that 348 RGAs exhibited differential expression in response to Sclerotinia head rot (SHR), with 17 of these differentially expressed RGAs being situated within the QTL regions. In addition, 15 RGA candidates had gene introgression. Our data provide a better understanding of RGAs, which facilitate genomics-based improvements in disease resistance in sunflower.

Influence of Nano Urea and Nano DAP on Growth and Productivity of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) During kharif season

A two years field experiment was conducted at AICRP on sunflower, Zonal agricultural research station, UASB, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif, 2022 and 2023 to study the effect of nano urea and nano DAP on growth and productivity of sunflower. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with thirteen treatments (50 % RDN+ Nano N @ 4 ml, 50 % RDN+ Nano N @ 6 ml, 75 % RDN+ Nano N @ 4 ml, 75 % RDN+ Nano N @ 6 ml, 50 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 4 ml, 50 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 6 ml, 75 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 4 ml, 75 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 6 ml, RDF + Normal urea spray @ 1%, RDF+ DAP spray @ 1%, RDF+ FYM, RDF and absolute control) each replicated thrice. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height (199.89 cm), number of leaves per plant (30.26), leaf area (5557 cm2 plant-1), leaf area index (3.09), total dry matter production (146.70 g plant-1), capitulum diameter (19.06 cm), no. of seeds per capitulum (1147), seed yield (2026 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (4395 kg ha-1) were recorded with the application of RDF+ FYM and it was found on par with application of 75 % RDN+ Nano N @ 6 ml.

Sustainable integrated weed control strategies to reduce herbicide use in sunflower production

This research aims to develop integrated weed control strategies that can effectively reduce the quantity of herbicides used in cultivation of sunflower. To address the challenge of weed management in mechanized crop fields and mitigate the adverse effects on the ecosystem, an experiment with 10 treatments was arranged in randomized block designs and replicated 3 times. The treatments included combinations of herbicide application, band application of herbicide and power weeder weeding. The higher weed control efficiency (WCE) was achieved in a weed-free environment. Additionally, higher WCE was observed in the treatment where weeds were managed through band application of pendimethalin (38.7 capsule suspension (CS)) in the seed row as a pre-emergence method and weeding was done with a power weeder twice. These 2 treatments registered more than 90 % WCE due to lesser weed occurrence. The present investigation also registered higher grain yield under weed-free control (2212 kg/ha). It was tailed by Pre-emergence (PE) herbicide (1 kg/ha of Pendimethalin (38.7 CS)) in seed row after irrigation followed by (fb) power weeder twice (on 15-20 and 30-35 DAS), PE herbicide (1 kg/ha of Pendimethalin (38.7 CS)) in seed row before irrigation fb power weeder twice (on 15-20 and 30-35 DAS) and PE herbicide (1 kg/ha of Pendimethalin (30 EC)) in seed row after irrigation fb power weeder twice (on 15-20 and 30-35 days after sowing (DAS)). Based on the results, pendimethalin (38.7 CS) can also be applied either before or after irrigation, as it will not significantly lose its efficacy in controlling weeds. These findings have practical implications for sunflower cultivation, offering effective strategies for integrated weed control.

Effect of Wastewater Irrigation on Yield, Water Productivity and Economics of Sunflower and Toria Crop

Water scarcity is one of the most important issue affecting the global economy and human livelihoods. Climate change, rapid population growth, freshwater pollution and depletion are among the factors exacerbating the situation. Although not yet fully exploited, wastewater reclamation and reuse are considered potential mechanisms to mitigate the challenge. To evaluate the impact of wastewater on yield, economics, soil nutrient status, seed oil content and water productivity, a two-year experiment at farmers field in Angul, Odisha was taken up. The sunflower yield was found significantly higher with wastewater irrigation (10%) which was mainly contributed by higher head diameter (15.3 cm), no. of achenes per head (467) and 100 achene weight (69g). Similarly, toria crop irrigated with wastewater had higher yield by 11% resulting from higher siliquae per plant (179), no of seeds per siliqua (12.1) and test weight (4.6) compared to freshwater irrigation. Besides this soil nutrients and oil content was higher in wastewater irrigated toria and sunflower crop than freshwater crops. Benefit cost ratio was higher in wastewater irrigated sunflower (3.9) and toria (2.0) crop compared to freshwater irrigated crops (3.0 and 1.4 respectively for sunflower and toria). Water productivity under wastewater irrigation in sunflower (0.38 kg/m3) and toria (0.21 kg/m3) was higher than freshwater irrigated crops by 10-12%. The findings of the present study suggest that wastewater can be used as a source of irrigation for oilseed crop in Angul Odisha where water scarcity is acute during rabi season.

Modeling the Effect of Climate Change on Evapotranspiration in the Thrace Region

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of climate change on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and sunflower and wheat evapotranspiration (ETs and ETw, respectively) in the Trakya Region of Türkiye. ETo Calculator (version 3.2) and CROPWAT 8.0 were used to compute ETo and ET in the reference period (1970–1990), short- (2016–2025), mid- (2046–2055), and long- (2076–2085) terms. Additionally, ETo was tested in 2012 and ETo was simulated for every 1 °C temperature increase up to 5 °C in the reference period. Calculated ETo and ET values for the future were compared with the reference period. For the future, climate data estimated by RegCM3 Regional Climate Model, A2 scenario were used. While the average ETo value of the reference period was 3.3 mm day−1, it was 3.0 mm day−1 in 2012. Compared to the reference period, ETo values change by −3% (3.2 mm day−1), 9% (3.6 mm day−1), and 21% (4.0 mm day−1) in the short-, mid-, and long-term, respectively. The 575 mm ET deficit calculated during the vegetation period of sunflower in the model reference period was forecasted to change by −11% (514 mm), +15% (660 mm), and +25% (721 mm) in the short-, mid-, and long-term, respectively. For wheat, while 59 mm of excess water was calculated in the reference period, it became 193 mm (+227%) in the short-term and a water deficit of 8 mm (−113%) and 6 mm (−110%) in the mid- and long-term, respectively. In addition, it is estimated that there will be an increase of 0.1 mm day−1 (4%) in ETo values for each 1 °C temperature increase compared to the reference period (1970–1990). It was concluded that climate change in the Trakya Region will not significantly affect wheat farming; however, it will cause a serious water deficit in sunflower production.

Sunflower Productivity Response to tillage Depth and Harrowing Speed

Sunflower Productivity Response to tillage Depth and Harrowing Speed

Analyzing Sunflower Trait Patterns Using MANOVA, PCA, and Correlation Across Seasons and Locations

Sunflower is an important agricultural crop valued for its high oil yield, versatility in culinary and industrial applications and adaptability to diverse environments. Eight advanced sunflower genotypes were tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at six locations over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental and genotypic variations using MANOVA, PCA, and correlation analysis to discover trait patterns and relationships. The MANOVA results revealed highly significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction on the 11 dependent variables (p < 0.001). The four principal components account for 74.23% of the total variation, with key traits such as seed yield per hectare, oil yield per hectare, days to maturity, plant height, and grain filling period significantly contributing to the overall variability. Oil yield per hectare and seed yield per hectare exhibited a very strong association (0.974). Days to maturity (DM) and grain filling period (GFP) showed a strong correlation (0.666), suggesting that longer grain filling periods may enhance both maturity and yield. Additionally, plant height (PH) and seed yield per hectare (YELDK) had a moderate correlation (0.491). Breeding programs should target traits with strong correlations to boost sunflower productivity and adaptability. Future research should prioritize selecting genotypes that perform well across diverse environments, focusing on seed yield, oil yield, and traits such as maturity and grain filling period. Additionally, breeding should incorporate disease resistance and optimize days to flowering to develop more robust and productive sunflower varieties.

Boosting resilience and yields in water-stressed sunflower through coordinated irrigation scheduling and silica gel applications

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a globally significant oilseed crop, yet its yields may suffer due to water deficiency. A field experiment was conducted through two summer seasons (2021 and 2022) at the agricultural research station, Luxor, Egypt, to study the effects of irrigation regime, cultivar selection, and silica gel application on sunflower growth and yield parameters. The experiment utilized a split-split plot design with three irrigation levels based on field capacity (85 %, 70 %, 55 %), three sunflower cultivars (Sakha-53, Giza-102, and Giza-120), and two Silica gel treatments (0 and 300 kg/ha). Analysis of variance revealed significant effects of irrigation (P < 0.001) on all measured traits except 100-seed weight. Utilizing various cultivars also revealed substantial influence, affecting most traits consistently across the two seasons. Silica gel application positively impacted head diameter, 100-seed weight, oil content, and oil yield (P < 0.05). Furthermore, treatments combining moderate irrigation with silica gel application exhibited the highest water productivity, with values reaching 1.35 kg/m³ in the first season and 1.38 kg/m³ in the second season, indicating the synergistic effects of improved water management and silica gel on crop water use efficiency. Multivariate analysis of principal component analysis and clustering heatmap revealed that treatment combinations such as I2S1 (moderate irrigation with silica gel) optimized sunflower productivity, particularly for seed yield and oil content, reinforcing the importance of tailored agronomic practices for maximizing crop performance under varying environmental conditions. These findings underscore the significance of integrated agronomic approaches in enhancing sunflower productivity while promoting sustainable crop management practices.

Genomic Insights into Disease Resistance in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Identifying Key Regions and Candidate Genes for Verticillium dahliae Resistance.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a globally significant field crop, and disease resistance is crucial for ensuring yield stability and crop quality. Verticillium dahliae is a notorious soilborne pathogen that causes Verticillium Wilt (VW) and threatens sunflower production worldwide. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of sunflower resistance to V. dahliae across 231 sunflower cultivar lines, from the Sunflower Association Mapping (SAM) population. We employed EMMAX and ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction (rrBLUP) and identified 148 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 23 putative genes associated with V. dahliae resistance, including receptor like kinases, cell wall modification, transcriptional regulation, plant stress signalling and defense regulation genes. Our enrichment and quantitative real-time PCR validation results highlight the importance of membrane vesicle trafficking in the sunflower immune system for efficient signaling and defense upon activation by V. dahliae. This study also reveals the polygenic architecture of V. dahliae resistance in sunflowers and provides insights for breeding sunflower cultivars resistant to VW. This research contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance crop resilience and reduce yield losses due to VW, ultimately benefiting sunflower growers and the agricultural sector.

The Impact of Crop Year and Crop Density on the Production of Sunflower in Site-Specific Precision Farming in Hungary

Sunflower is considered a plant with extraordinary adaptability. However, the conditions of growing sunflower function as a limiting factor in its production. The hybrids used in production tolerate weather variability to a different level and utilise the nutrient and water resources of the soil, while the yield is also affected by the number of plants per hectare. In this study, the authors attempted to observe the environmental effects influencing sunflower cultivation, the heterogeneous productivity zones of the given production site and the correlation of the number of seeding plants used under various farm practices. The average rainfall of 2021 and the dry weather of 2022 created suitable conditions for examining the yearly weather effect. In the selected experimental areas, three distinguishable zones were defined in terms of productivity. In each productivity zone, three crop density steps were used in four replicates. Based on the performed comparative tests, the rainy year of 2021 resulted higher yield than the drier year of 2022 in the average- and high productivity zones, while in the low-productivity zone, higher yields were harvested under the drier conditions of 2022 than in the rainy year of 2021. In 2021, with the improvement in productivity, the obtained yield was also higher. However, in 2022, this clarity could not be demonstrated. In the zones with low productivity, identical yield results were observed in both weather conditions. Based on the examination of the obtained results, it was shown that the effect of weather conditions and the given number of plants have a smaller influence on the yield results of low-productivity zones, while these factors have a greater influence on the yields of high-productivity zones.

Effect of Pre- and Post-Emergence Herbicides on Weed Control and Yield in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Weeds are a major cause of yield and quality loss in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crops. Therefore, weed control is important in sunflower production. In this context, the study was conducted in 2023 to determine the effectiveness of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides with different modes of action on weed population, dry weight of weeds and sunflower yield and yield components in sunflower. Four herbicides with different modes of action, three pre-emergence (aclonifen (A), pendimethalin (P), linuron (L) and one post-emergence (quizalofop-p-ethyl) (Q) and combinations of these herbicides were used in the study. To determine the effects of herbicides on weed populations and species, four different assessments were conducted at regular intervals. As a result of the study, a total of 10 weed species belonging to 5 families were detected in the trial area. The weed species with the highest density were Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers., Xanthium strumarium L., Convolvulus arvensis L. and Chenopodium album L. The study found that the effects of herbicides on weed populations and species varied. In the study, the highest rates of weed control were achieved in plots where both pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides were used together. The highest weed control rate was observed in plots P+Q (96.66%). The highest effect on weed dry weight was obtained in plot L+Q with a rate of 89.63%. The highest weed dry weight was recorded in the weedy control plots. In the study, the highest yield (287.53 kg da-1) was obtained in the weed-free (hoe) control plot. Yield increases of 18% to 45% can be achieved by controlling weeds in sunflowers. As a result, herbicide efficacy on weed population and dry weight of weeds increased when herbicides were used in combination. Some herbicides have been shown to increase yields when used alone. However, it is important to use herbicides in combination to control more weed populations and prevent a potential resistance problem.

Optimizing sunflower production through the use of GIS-based soil fertility management strategy

Optimizing sunflower production through the use of GIS-based soil fertility management strategy

Exploring genotype by environment interaction in sunflower using genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) approaches

Sunflower is important for food, feed and ornamentals, faces rising demand for quality oil. Identifying resilient high-yielding genotypes is essential. Multi-environmental trials and integrated approaches to evaluate genotype by environment interactions (GEI) enhance accuracy and comprehensiveness of breeding programs. This study assess the representativeness and discriminative power of tested environments; classify mega-environments for genotype recommendations and evaluate how GGE and BLUP methods identify stable and superior sunflower genotypes. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replications across six locations for two seasons. The pooled analysis of variance for GEI on seed yield showed significant variability (p < 0.05) with mean values from 1171 to 2564 kg ha−1, indicating inconsistent genotypes performance across environments. The study identified E11, E2, and E6 as key discriminating and representative environments and grouped test locations into four mega-environments. Genotypes G6, G1, and G4 are the most desirable based on stability and seed yield. E11 and G6 are identified as ideal environment and genotype, respectively. GGE biplot and BLUP methods consistently identify stable and ideal sunflower genotypes. However, GGE stability indices differ somewhat in assessing genotypes stability possibly due to low number of genotypes, testing environment, and year in the dataset. The study confirmed that simultaneous consideration of GGE and BLUP models for GEI analysis helps to select more stable and adaptable sunflower genotypes across environments. It also clarifies GEI pattern, identifying mega-environments, and aiding genotype selection in sunflower production. However, validating these mega-environments and exploring the genetic basis of adaptability and stability remains essential.

Development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids in the south of Ukraine

The development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids is a relevant area of research to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and environmental protection. The study aimed to analyse the impact of different tillage methods on sunflower yields in southern Ukraine. To achieve this goal, a field study was conducted in the fields of the Educational and Research Centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University in 2021-2023. The study determined that the method of soil cultivation has a significant impact on its density, moisture reserves and structural stability. Reducing the intensity of cultivation, especially when using no-till, preserves moisture in the soil more effectively, but increases its density. With no-till, before sowing sunflower, it was 1.11 g/cm³ at a depth of 0-10 cm and 1.21 g/cm³ before harvesting, while with conventional tillage, the soil density was 1.02 g/cm³ and 1.1 g/cm³, respectively. In addition, no-till tillage provided the best sunflower productivity indicators, including 1000-seed weight (47.3 g), basket diameter (20.2 cm) and yield (2.6 t/ha). No-till cultivation also improves the quality of the sunflower crop, increasing the content of oleic acid (86.5%) and crude fat in the seeds (48.3%). The obtained results contribute to the development of integrated approaches to the introduction of energy-saving technologies in the cultivation of sunflower hybrids in southern Ukraine, which will increase production efficiency and reduce production costs

Sowing properties of sunflower seeds of Talento hybrid under the influence of a modified plant growth regulator

The improvement of agricultural crop cultivation technologies enables the production of high sunflower yields with high-quality indicators. One such element is pre-sowing seed treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a plant growth regulator supplemented with calcium on the sowing properties of sunflower seeds. The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions. For pre-sowing seed treatment, a semi-synthetic film-forming agent with an anti-stress effect was used, which was modified with Ca2+ ions in the form of calcium chloride. It was established that the encrustation of sunflower seed with a growth regulator stimulates germination processes and activates the initial stages of sunflower organogenesis. This increases the indicators of germinative vigour and germination capacity. Adding calcium to the plant growth regulator contributes to a further increase in the indicators of germinative vigour and seed germination capacity of sunflowers by 5.4% and 7.7%, respectively, compared to the control. At the same time, the hypocotyl length increased by 1.51 times compared to the control, while the root length increased by 1.37 times. The accumulation of organic substances in sunflower seedlings is characterised by an increase in dry matter. When calcium was added to the plant growth regulator, a more intensive accumulation of dry matter in the hypocotyl and root was observed compared to the control and the variant using only the growth regulator. The establishment of a ranking range indicated that, based on the parameters studied, the optimal treatment option for the pre-sowing treatment of sunflower seeds is the application of a plant growth regulator containing calcium ions at a concentration of 1.0 g/L. The use of this preparation is relevant and promising for studying the formation of sunflower plant productivity with increased quality indicators under field conditions

Increasing sunflower productivity by mitigating soil salt stress through biochar-based amendments

ABSTRACT The utilization of biochar encountered numerous constraints in achieving increased production and addressing soil salinity issues when employed in isolation. It is essential to take specific measures to maximize its advantages. A two-season field experiment was conducted for planting sunflower using biochar (C, 15 t ha−1) and fulvic acid (FA, 0.15 t ha−1) amendment in the Hetao Irrigation Region in Inner Mongolia, China. The results indicated that the C+FA treatment led to a 28.9% reduction in soil salinity levels at a depth of 0–20 cm after the two-year sunflower cultivation when compared to CK. Analysis of ions revealed that the increase in the ratio of CO3 2- and HCO3 − led to soil pH rise. The C+FA treatment showed 22.64 g kg−1 organic matter content at depth of 0–20 cm after harvested in the second year. The growth characteristics of sunflowers were enhanced, along with an improvement in the plant’s nitrogen nutrition. The C+FA treatment resulted in a seed yield of 8.5 t ha−1, indicating a twofold increase in comparison to the CK treatment. The research indicates that utilizing biochar-based amendments offers practical benefits for promoting saline agricultural development in arid and semi-arid lands.

Effect of Foliar Nutrition by Humic and Fulvic Acid and the Interaction between them on Productivity of Sun Flower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Effect of Foliar Nutrition by Humic and Fulvic Acid and the Interaction between them on Productivity of Sun Flower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Cluster approach to regional oil and fat subcomplex development

The article studies regional oil and fat subcomplex development in terms of the cluster approach application based on coordinating economic interests of sunflower seed producers, processing and marketing organizations under the condition of appropriate government support, as well as methodological, organizational, and information support by the relevant structures. On the basis of the production and economic indicators analysis it has been revealed that in the Saratov region sunflower production is quite effective, but the lack of interconnection between the oil and fat subcomplex subjects leads to uneven production volumes and highly varying profitability in the context of municipal districts of the region and lost profits formation at all stages of product movement. The author has developed a scheme of the regional oil and fat cluster subjects territorial location, represented by the areas of the cluster production core (with sunflower production volumes above the average regional level), production linking areas (with sunflower production volumes below the average regional level), as well as areas with developed infrastructure (with the presence of processing and storage facilities, and transportation hubs), allowing to establish an effective logistics system with mutually beneficial cooperation between regions. On the example of sunflower seed producers in the Saratov region clustering efficiency has been shown, which consists in production costs reduction as a result of transaction costs reduction and sales revenue growth due to the increase in the sunflower purchase price. The study results can be used in programs and proposals development to strengthen integration ties between the agro-industrial complex subjects.