The best sunflower varieties

Sunflower varieties are oilseed, confectionery, simple or hybrid. The differences are mainly in terms of the size of the seeds, their purpose, the characteristics of cultivation and the timing of the ripening of the crop. Below are the best types of sunflower in different categories.

Description and characteristics of sunflower hybrids

Hybrids are annuals. This is their biggest disadvantage in comparison with varietal crops. Otherwise, they differ from varieties only in positive qualities.

1. An average of 15% more crop is harvested from hybrids.
2. The seeds are almost universal, only some hybrids have a specific direction. In general, they can be used for fresh consumption or oil processing.
3. The shape of the plants and the resulting seeds, as well as their weight, are approximately the same.

   Sunflower hybrids

What are the most popular hybrids for planting?

• «Bogdan " relatively new, high quality hybrid. The yield can be 50 kg / ha or more! It is grown even in areas with poor soils, without fertilization, it is not afraid of an abundance of precipitation and a cool climate. The height of the stem is 180 cm. The basket is small, 18 cm on average. The grain is large, the oil yield is 48-50%. Resistant to almost all diseases. The ripening period lasts 112-118 days.
• "Antey" - medium-sized plant - 175 cm in height. The basket is not very large - 23 cm, fully ripens on 111 days. The kernel is large, with a high oil content - 50-52%. Resistant to broomrape, shedding, shedding and the most common diseases, but the rest are required to be treated. Average yield 43 kg / ha.
• "Odysseus" - oilseed hybrid of sunflower. Grown on any kind of soil. Recommended for southern regions, but grows successfully in mid-latitudes. Plant height 160-170 cm, basket does not exceed 24 cm in diameter. The yield ranges from 45 kg / ha. The growing season is 105-110 days. The seeds are large, the oil yield is up to 50%. Resistant to rot, broomrape, drought.
• "Jan" Is a high-yielding hybrid. Under proper conditions, up to 50-60 centners of the crop are harvested per hectare! Resistant to many diseases. Grows to 170 cm in height, bowl 25 cm in diameter. It takes at least 104 days to ripen. Seeds are large, universal application, oil yield 50-52%.
• "Alexei" a sunflower hybrid entered in the state register of Ukraine since 2016. Has a high oil content - up to 50%. Productivity 45 kg / ha. Resistant to powdery mildew, aging, shedding, drought. It grows up to 170 cm, the basket is 20 cm in diameter. Ripens in 115 days. The grains are large.

Confectionery varieties of sunflower

Confectionery varieties of sunflowers, or as they used to be called "gnawing sunflowers", are grown for fresh consumption or after roasting.These are simple seeds that can be bought in large and small bags under different brands at any grocery store. Their main feature is their large seed and easy separation of the kernel from the shell.

Confectionery varieties of sunflower

• "Nutcracker" - a variety bred in the Kherson region. The growing season is 115 days, ripening occurs evenly. It grows even under unfavorable conditions. The height of the culture is 190 cm, the basket is convex, of medium size. The mass of one seed is 0.115 g. Productivity is 42 kg / ha. Oil content 42-45%, peeling - 23%. Resistant to some diseases: powdery mildew, phomopsis, broomrape.
• "Gourmet" large-fruited (0.13 g seed), mid-season variety, ripens in no more than 110 days. The plant is tall - up to 190 cm. The basket is convex, pubescent, of medium size. Up to 35 centners of seeds are harvested per hectare. It contains 50% oil, so sometimes it is also used for the production of oil, and not just as a confectionery culture. Can be grown in extreme conditions.
• "Diamond" - a variety of early maturing sunflower. It has a long stem up to 190 cm high. The basket is massive, convex, always inclined towards the bottom. The husk of the seeds is black, along the edges there are gray longitudinal stripes. The mass of one seed is 0.12 g, the oil content is 47%. It has an average resistance to diseases, does not crumble, does not fit. Productivity 28-45 kg / ha, depending on the standards of care and soil type.
• "Lux" resistant to most existing diseases and pests that attack sunflowers. The growing season is 105 days, the yield is 34 c / ha. Has a large seed - 0.145 g each, easily separates from the husk. The plant is very tall, can reach 185 cm, the bowl grows up to 27 cm in diameter. Oil content is not more than 44%. It is an excellent honey plant. Of the shortcomings, only one point should be highlighted - the plants cannot be thickened.
• "Nut" - early maturing species, ripens in 104 days. Stems reach 170 cm. The seeds are black with characteristic gray longitudinal stripes. Grain weight - 0.15 g. The norm of oil in the composition is 45-50%. Productivity is about 35 kg / ha.

What are the best oilseed varieties?

Oilseed varieties are mainly used for the manufacture of sunflower oil. Such varieties of sunflower have small seeds, although they are quite tasty, the shell is poorly separated from the kernel, so they are rarely eaten fresh.

The best oilseed varieties of sunflower

• "Jason" - a three-line hybrid of Serbian selection. It grows up to 180 cm. The basket is flat, no more than 24 cm in diameter. Productivity 45 kg / ha. Ripening period up to 108 days. The mass of the seed is 0.064 g. The color is dark with a stripe. Oil content 49-50%. Resistant to diseases, pests, does not crumble even after full ripening.
• "Forward" - oilseed hybrid. Early maturing, matures in 105 days. It has a high stem - 185-187 cm. The diameter of the basket is 20 cm, pubescent, bends down. The amount of oil in the composition reaches 47-49%. Husk striped, black-gray, seed weight 0.09 g. Germination rate - 97%. The yield rarely exceeds 44 kg / ha.
• "Oliver" early ripe hybrid of Serbian selection. Ripens in 90-95 days. The plant is not tall - 135-140 cm. The baskets are medium-sized, thin, the seeds can crumble, so they harvest on time. You can get 23-45 centners of seeds per hectare, depending on the care. The seeds are small - 0.06 g each, the rate of oil is 48-49%. Resistance to various diseases and pests is noted.
• "Rimisol" - a variety of oilseed sunflower, can be grown with a significant lack of moisture. Seed weight - 0.075 g, black, elongated grains. The plant rarely grows above 150 cm, the basket is medium in size. The oil content is 48%, and the yield is 40 kg / ha. Requires timely treatment for diseases.

Foreword

When choosing sunflower seeds blindly on the bazaar shelves, you need to think about whether it is worth taking the risk and taking a pig in a poke or can you still choose a high-quality pancake or confectionery variety?

A good seed can give 3-4 times more yield, and a first-class confectionery seed can reach 25-30 mm - just for this it is worth understanding the varieties and hybrids in more detail!

Sunflower seeds - what can you expect from them and why choose

It is far from a secret that a sowing unit (number of seeds per 2.2 hectares) of a foreign hybrid costs 7-15 thousand rubles, while a sowing unit of a sunflower of domestic selection costs no more than 5 thousand rubles. Why does the consumer overpay such a huge amount, will the seeds pay off or is it wasted money? Let's take a closer look at what foreign "flowers of the sun" are capable of and calculate the benefits.

1. Increased productivity. It cannot be said unequivocally that some give a lot, others a little, but when tested in many breeding plots throughout Russia, the indicators of foreign seeds are much higher. On average, 18-23% more tonnage than on the same site from domestic hybrids, and the care for them has always been the same. What does it mean in money? The average yield of sunflower in the temperate climatic zone of Russia is 19 c / ha, that is, 1.9 tons per hectare. We add 21% (the average percentage is between 18 and 23%) and we get 2.4 tons. 0.5 tons more, but at the current price (an average of 13,500 rubles per ton), this is: 13,500: 2 = 6,750 rubles. Thus, using a foreign sowing unit, we earn about 6750 rubles... In fact, this is already 6750 + 5000 (the price of a seed unit of domestic selection) = 11750 r, that is, the price of high-quality material of foreign selection.
2. Maslenitsa. It has long been known that our sunflower seeds contain up to 38-42% oil, while their opponents contain up to 48%. This is significantly reflected in the price that is given for them at the oil mill. About 1000 rubles more, and this is + 5-7% to the cost of the crop. Theoretically, this is not much, but adding this amount, we will get about 16-17 thousand per sowing unit, that is, this is already the cost of the best American hybrids.
3. Good seed similarity and rapid development. It would seem that this factor will not at all affect the financial condition of the owner of such a plant, but if you look closer ... On average, during the period of growing "sunny flowers", you need to do 2 weeding and 1 hilling, and this is far from cheap, especially at current prices for diesel fuel. Already sunflower seeds of foreign breeding have brought profit, despite their seemingly cosmic price.
4. Excellent sorting on a vibrating table. If the sunflower seed comes from the USA, England or Holland, you will immediately notice the difference - the plants are extremely even, the hats are bent to one side, and they are all the same in height. This makes it possible to reduce losses by 4-5% during harvesting with mechanized means. If you select them manually, then there is no difference, but if you use a combine, this is another + 5% to the harvest.
5. Foreign confectionery white sunflower seeds are huge and are sold at half the price from the field than the usual Lakomka or Almaz, which are used to planting Russian farmers and gardeners. The benefits are clear, especially considering the prices of confectionery hybrids.

As you can see, there is a sense to overpay for foreign seeds, exactly the same as paying more for high-quality hybrids of Russian selection, instead of using the usual "ryadovka".

As for the yield, if you come across a good sunflower seed, you can safely count on 25 c / ha, and you don't need much for this. Just plant on time and, if possible, water the plant when it is knee-deep in height. If you provide excellent growing conditions, such as in the breeding plot, then you can get 45-50 kg from one hundred square meters. In the USA in 2013, for example, the seeds of the Pioneer sunflower showed the highest yield of 85 kg / ha, and this became a record! Prior to that, in the Netherlands, yields were grown at 65-70 c / ha and such indicators were obtained in many breeding plots.

Sunflower seeds - we choose the best varieties on the territory of Russia

Since a large amount of seed on the territory of Russia has not yet been acclimatized and tested in breeding plots, we will consider the main varieties that are already included in the register of oil crops recommended for industrial cultivation.

1. Sunflower seeds of Syngenta. This is a group of several hybrids that have gained a good reputation in Russia. All seeds are imported and therefore have excellent characteristics.Despite the different names, all the options have very similar indicators: oil yield from 42 to 47%, yield on average 24 c / ha, with good care up to 37 c / ha, during droughts it stably yields 15-18 c / ha. It is distinguished by increased resistance to various diseases and pests, therefore it is popular when planting in vegetable gardens and summer cottages. The grain is medium-sized, but weighty (the weight of 1 liter of seeds is up to 440 grams).
2. Sunflower seeds Pioneer. This is a real pioneer-discoverer of solid harvests in our territory. Initially, it was the result of American selection, today it is grown and bred already in Russia. The original seed imported from the USA is of particular value. The potential yield is up to 60-65 c / ha, but the average yield on the territory of the Russian Federation reaches 30 c / ha. This is an excellent result, since domestic sunflower yields on average 2 times less. It is worth noting the high oil content - up to 48%, for which it became No. 1 in the industry and is planted exclusively for the purpose of obtaining vegetable oil. Has a high resistance to diseases and insects, in particular to the top.
3. Sunflower seeds Jason. One of the best varieties on the territory of Ukraine, Moldova and Russia, it is distinguished by its relative cheapness and a stable, albeit not a record, yield of 17-22 c / ha. It is used mainly for industrial needs, since it has no special value for gardeners - it makes no sense to fry the grain, it is too small. Is the best option in terms of price and quality. Sunflower seeds of Odessa selection are perfectly acclimatized on the territory of Russia in temperate latitudes, resistant to powdery mildew, spider mites and tops, which are difficult to fight with in wet summer.
4. Sunflower seeds Limagrain. The Limagrain company has been engaged in its own breeding and import of seed into the territory of the Federation for 20 years. For many farmers, it has become the best option when choosing, since the cost of products is much lower than foreign counterparts, while the quality is not much inferior. Limagrain hybrids have increased resistance to diseases and droughts, which is very important when grown in the southern regions of the country. The yield is on average from 15 centners / ha to 35, depending on the growing conditions, the availability of irrigation and applied fertilizers.
5. NC Rocky. Another good option, Pioneer's brother, from the same breeding site. But, nevertheless, there are several differences between them. Rocky's yield is inferior to his "relative", since the maximum of it can be taken at 45 c / ha, but the average is about 28-30 c / ha, which is an excellent indicator. But there are also advantages. First of all, the price, which is always 5-8% less. It is also worth noting the excellent oil production, which, even in a bad year, does not fall below 41-43%. The stems are large, massive, stand firm and do not break in a gust of wind. Leaves immediately cover the aisles, so the plant always destroys the weeds growing next to it. Not exposed to insects and spinning top, no treatment with pesticides is required. Sensitive to foliar feeding, when processed with urea it can give 5-8 centners more.

Please note that sowing material is not yet a guarantee of a huge harvest, since this will also require proper care, fertilization and treatment with pesticides. Even the highest quality seeds will not give a huge harvest if the plant is not looked after and provided with everything necessary for growth and development.

Confectionery varieties of sunflower

Many summer residents and gardeners are engaged in the cultivation of confectionery varieties, since they have large grain with a pleasant taste, which is used for frying. Of course, this variety has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include the following: large grain, high selling price, excellent taste.The disadvantages are obvious: the yield is low, no more than 20 c / ha, subject to fertilization, the similarity of the material is very low (sprouted sunflower seeds must be checked, often the germination rate is no more than 60-70%), the oil content is no more than 34-36%.

Consider the most suitable options for growing in a temperate climate zone.

1. Diamond. He is the most "outstanding" representative of his group. The grain is on average up to 16-19 mm in length, while being dense. It is mainly exported abroad, where it is fried and used for confectionery products, or simply eaten as an independent product. Listed in the register of confectionery species recommended for growing on an industrial scale. The stem is high, up to 260 centimeters, which often complicates its collection, but it is practically not necessary to control weeds - the plant naturally "drowns out" them.
2. Gourmet. Perhaps the most famous species in Moldova and Ukraine, often grown in the southern regions of Russia. It requires a lot of sun, it is No. 1 in relation to export to European countries, as it has an increased keeping quality - even after 6-8 months of storage in sealed containers, it does not lose its properties and taste, unlike other representatives of this group. A particularly large harvest should not be expected from it, but, when fertilizing with fertilizer during the growing season, it is quite possible to count on 25 c / ha. The seed is a little empty, but it has a thin peel and easily clicks. It has an extremely sweet taste and spicy smell, which is why many summer residents liked it.
3. Donskoy Large-fruited. Bred in Rostov-on-Don, it is grown on many farms in Russia, although it is not generally recognized and is not exported. This is due to the fact that the grain size and its taste do not meet export standards, but it is quite popular in the domestic confectionery industry. The plant has a strong stem, low, up to 190 centimeters, and when ripe, the head leans forward. If it is overripe, there is a risk of the sunflower head falling off, so timely harvesting is required. The yield is higher than that of its “brothers”, reaching 25 kg / ha, provided that it is properly cared for.
4. Giant. A newly developed variety of confectionery sunflower. The giant combines the advantages of its predecessors and at the same time has a grain size of up to 25 mm. It is used mainly by summer residents; nevertheless, it has a good taste and is used to prepare many dishes. Large heads, powerful stems, large leaves. Resistant to top and spider mites, unlike Gourmand, which is best sprayed in advance from insects. The yield reaches 30 kg / ha, but only in breeding plots with perfect care. At home, as a rule, it is unrealistic to collect more than 20 c / ha. To get a good harvest, you must first apply superphosphates and orthophosphoric fertilizers - the plant is very sensitive to them.

Remember that confectionery varieties of sunflowers are not suitable for putting in oil, as their content is minimal. Most entrepreneurs refuse to accept them for processing, since it is extremely unprofitable, so you need to take care of marketing options in advance. Best suited for this are confectionery factories and packaging enterprises that roast seeds and bring them to the presentation in which we are used to seeing them.

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SUNFLOWER VARIETIES SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS WHAT TO CHOOSE IN THE TOTAL?

Sunflower production

Among the oilseeds grown on the territory of the Russian Federation, sunflower occupies a leading position.It is grown for the production of vegetable oil, confectionery, green fodder (silage). Waste from oilseed production (cake and meal) is a high-protein supplement to the ration of agricultural animals.
In the 19th century. sunflower oil has become an integral part of the table in Russia. The name "lean" was even firmly stuck behind it, because during the fast it replaced animal fats.

Modern sunflower varieties and hybrids contain up to 56% oil.

Despite the high cost of seeds (100-200 thousand rubles / ton), sunflower production is highly profitable. By sowing one seed, the farmer receives several hundred in return.

The only drawback of the culture is that it can be grown in one field no more often than once every 7-8 years. Sunflower dries up the soil greatly.
In recent years, the acreage for sunflower has been increasing. In 2009 this crop occupied 6196 thousand hectares (8% of all sown areas), in 2010 sunflower occupied 7171 thousand hectares. This trend is connected with the fact that sunflower production is a rather profitable business associated with a stable increase in demand for sunflower oil in the world.

The selling price of 1 ton of sunflower is 8-9 thousand rubles.

Sunflower is a crop with a well-developed root system that holds it firmly in the soil and allows it to extract moisture from the depths. The drought resistance of sunflower is also due to the pubescence of the stems and leaves and a special transpiration system. The culture loves chernozem, chestnut, alluvial soils and does not like swampy, acidic, alkaline, calcareous and light sandy soils.

The average yield varies from year to year and averages 10 c / ha.

Today Russia is the leading country in sunflower production (21% of world production in 2009). The export duty on sunflower seeds is 20%.
Unfortunately, large volumes of sunflower production are associated only with an increase in acreage; yields are still at a low level. The average yield of sunflower over the past 5 years is only 11.3 c / ha. For comparison, in Argentina - 17 c / ha.
How to increase crop yields? Of course, intensify production and be sure to choose good seed.

Business executives' preferences

Among the agronomists of farms engaged in sunflower production, a small survey was conducted about the choice of seed material.

1. “We use seeds of hybrids Jazzi, NK Condi, Orenbar, Tristan, Neoma, Savinka, Alexandra PR, Pioneer 63A90. We choose hybrids because they self-pollinate and are more productive. We do not save on seeds, because we work for the final result "

2. “We don’t buy seeds. We sow seeds of our own production, we ourselves carry out the selection. What is the name of the variety? MG is a local hybrid "

3. “We use both varieties and hybrids for sowing. Not one thing, so another will be born. From varieties - Lakomka, VNIIMK8883, Rodnik, from hybrids - Donskoy 22, Victoria. Unfortunately, this year nothing will happen due to the heat. The projected yield is at the level of 10 c / ha (both varieties and hybrids). The plants are dry, almost charred. "

4. “We give preference only to hybrids. We mainly use hybrids of Alexander, Jazzy, Brio, Neoma, Savinka, Aranda, Sunbred 254, Luchaferul, Vidocq. Of course, the cost of seeds is high, but it pays off. Hybrid sunflower is resistant to diseases, bad weather, does not rot. If the production of hybrids was not profitable, we would not grow them "

5. “Our enterprise is located in the zone of risky farming, therefore, to be on the safe side, we sow both varietal and hybrid sunflower seeds. We use the Vendileevsky variety and the Pioneer hybrid for sowing. "

6. “We sow varieties (SPK, Peresvet) and hybrids (Jazzi, NK Brio). The harvest is expected to be low this year. It's not even about the heat - the plants are badly damaged by pests "

Among the respondents there were also such farms that asked not to disclose their name. One of them, from the Volgograd region, grows one sort of sunflower - Kazachiy, and, unfortunately, is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Sunflower varieties

As a cultivated plant, sunflower evolved in Russia. D.S. was the first to use it as an oil plant. Bokarev, a serf peasant from the Voronezh province, who, with the help of a hand press, extracted fragrant oil.

Since then, the sunflower has evolved from an ornamental plant to an agricultural crop.

Here is a description of the best varieties.

VNIIMK-8883 improved

This variety has been zoned since 1972, but it is still sown in Russia, and in particular in the Volga region. The fact is that, in comparison with other varieties, VNIMK-8883 improved has increased resistance to adverse conditions - environmental stability. At the same time, even the slightest improvement in agricultural technology and cultivation conditions, the variety responds with increases in yield.

This is an early-ripening variety (vegetation period 83-86 days), high-oil (52-55% oil content), with a potential yield of 26-31 c / ha.
The disadvantage of this variety is its susceptibility to broomrape and downy mildew.

SPRING

The variety is the leader in terms of crops in Russia. Its main advantages are a short growing season (77-83 days), high oil content (55%), high potential yield (24-30 c / ha) and genetic resistance to broomrape, downy mildew and sunflower moth. Sunflower varieties "Rodnik" can give a full harvest in dry summer conditions.

LACOMKA

One of the new varieties used in the confectionery industry. It differs from all varieties in high yield (up to 35 c / ha), uniformity of crops, friendly flowering, has very large seeds. The variety is also characterized as a very good honey plant.
Sunflower "Lakomka" is resistant to diseases and broomrape.

SPK

SPK, like Lakomka, belongs to confectionery varieties. It is characterized by large seeds, high protein and vitamin E content.

It is used as a substitute for raw nuts.

Unfortunately, the variety is not resistant to broomrape and disease. The growing season is 84-88 days (mid-season).

YENISEI

Yenisei is a variety with a relatively low seed oil content (44-46%) and a low yield (18-24 kg / ha). However, the seeds of this sunflower variety, when dehulling, give the highest yield of a clean kernel. In this regard, the resulting oil and cake are of high quality. The variety is early ripening (80-90 days), large-fruited, resistant to broomrape.

What are the main disadvantages of varieties?

There are up to several thousand seeds in a sunflower basket, and all of them, due to cross-pollination, have a different genetic code. The uncontrolled process of sunflower pollination leads to the fact that one plant produces a heterogeneous seed material. Some seeds are obtained with a set of positive traits, while others - with negative traits. Unfortunately, degradation processes prevail in this case. Previously, when a variety renewal system existed, it was possible to maintain the characteristics of the variety. Now there is no such system, and the varieties are gradually degenerating. This can explain the significant difference between potential yield (up to 30 c / ha) and real (10 c / ha).

Genetic heterogeneity is the main disadvantage of varieties.

First, due to genetic heterogeneity in one field, sown with one variety of seeds, plants sprout and develop at different times. As a result, by the time of harvesting, some of the plants are already ripe, some are in bloom, and some are completely green. The total ripening time is sometimes up to 2 months. As a result, after harvesting, it is necessary to urgently dry up unripe seeds, which represents unnecessary costs.

Secondly, plants are characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity.Sunflower in one field has different heights, angle and diameter of baskets. This complicates the processes of harvesting, threshing baskets. As a result, there is an increased wear of agricultural machinery. When harvesting, up to 30% of the crop is lost.
Despite this, the majority of Russian agricultural producers, when choosing seed material, still prefer varieties. However, the cheapness of seeds comes with other costs.

Sunflower hybrids

All over the world, except for Russia, part of Ukraine and the backward countries of Africa, preference is given to sunflower hybrids.

The history of hybrids begins in our country. Vasily Stepanovich Pustovoit at the end of his career created the first hybrids by sterilizing maternal forms.

At that time, hybrid corn was already widely used, but for the industrial use of sunflower hybrids, the lack of a sterility donor became an obstacle. In 1971, such a donor was obtained by the French breeder Leclerc. A new era has begun in sunflower production.

However, this direction did not take root in Russia, varieties have settled too firmly in our country. Only now, domestic breeders have "taken up" the hybrid sunflower.

Consider some sunflower hybrids.

PR64A86 / PR64A86

A hybrid of foreign origin, has the highest oil content. This hybrid is characterized by early maturity, resistance to major diseases. The baskets have an optimal slope and convex shape. It can be grown in almost all regions.

PR64A89 / PR64A89

The hybrid has a well-developed root system, which makes it drought-resistant and resistant to lodging. He is immune to major diseases and tolerant to phomopsis and sclerotinia.

HIDALGO

Hidalgo is an early hybrid (growing season 97 days), characterized by cold resistance and drought resistance, due to which it can be cultivated almost everywhere. The sunflower is resistant to diseases (in particular to Phomopsis, Thomas, rust, sclerotinia) and parasites (broomrape). Differs in stability.

LG 5635

This hybrid matures in 108 days and has a high yield potential. The oil content is high (49%). The hybrid is not picky about cultivation conditions, it tolerates drought well. He is not afraid of the new races of powdery mildew, he is tolerant of Phomopsis.
The physiological location of the basket avoids sunburn and basket rot.

THREE

Tremia is a hybrid adapted to the northern regions. It is early maturing (90 days) and fruitful. Growing a hybrid allows you to get a high yield of oil. This sunflower hybrid is highly vigorous.

LEOPARD

Leopard is a domestic early maturing (85-87 days) hybrid novelty. It has good indicators of resistance to diseases, high potential yield (up to 43 kg / ha), high oil content (up to 52%). Estimated collection of oil from 1 hectare - 16 c / ha.

The hybrid is tolerant to stress factors.

The genetic homogeneity of the hybrids is their main advantage. The simultaneous passage of plants through all phases of development significantly affects the yield. The simultaneous emergence of seedlings allows early cultivation from weeds, amicable growth allows you to optimize the amount of fertilizer applied, timely ripening allows you to harvest on time, contributes to less wear and tear of equipment, minimizes the cost of additional operations (desiccation and drying). The hybrids have bulging baskets, which contributes to higher yields and complete threshing. The real yield of hybrids (16-20 c / ha) is 1.5-2 times higher than the real yield of varieties (10-12 c / ha).
By the way, there are already hybrids whose oil is not inferior to olive oil.

What to choose?

Sunflower is a profitable and profitable crop, and most often the economy is kept "afloat" only thanks to the seeds.

As can be seen from the survey, most experts know and understand that growing sunflower hybrids is more efficient and profitable than growing varieties.

No agronomic techniques, no European technique will help to get a good harvest if the plants are biologically unstable to drought, diseases and pests. The choice of seeds of hybrids with a high potential for productivity and resistance to adverse factors makes it possible to show these qualities even with the slightest improvement in agricultural technology and weather conditions.

Farms that work with varieties are driving themselves into Kabbalah. They save on seed, buying varieties, get a modest harvest and a modest profit, and again buy cheap seeds. It is not for nothing that the popular wisdom says: what you sow, so you reap.

At the same time, the trend of gradual abandonment of varietal seeds in favor of hybrid ones gives hope that soon the growth of oilseed production in Russia will move to a new qualitative level - not due to an increase in acreage, but due to an increase in yield.

In the shape of its inflorescence, the sunflower resembles a solar disk, for which many peoples call it the flower of the sun. In the early morning, it opens up towards the rising sun and follows its movement until sunset.

A sunflower, having come to the end of its life, freezes in one position, but always its flower cap turns out to be turned to the east. For this property, the sunflower is a symbol of devotion among many peoples. Today sunflower has confidently occupied its niche in summer cottages not only as food, but also as an ornamental crop. It is used as a decor for the landscape, as a hedge, single plantings, when decorating recreation areas, for compositions in floristry.

Sunflower

The sunflower in the plant system belongs to the Aster family, the specific name is annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus). The homeland is the warm regions of North America, where wild forms occupy significant areas in prairies, coniferous forests, lowlands. More than 50 of 108 sunflower species are cultivated in North and South America. In Europe, culture appeared in the 17th century. While in Holland, Peter the Great sent sunflower seeds to Russia. Gradually, sunflower, at first as an ornamental crop, and later as a technical and food crop, occupied vast areas in the warm Eurasian regions. Currently, varieties and hybrids have been bred, the cultivation of which is possible in colder regions.

Annual sunflower is a single-stem plant up to 3-5 m in height. The culture has a very interesting root system that can withstand the long dry periods of the summer season. In the cotyledon phase, the sunflower root grows rapidly and is up to 6-10 cm long, and by the 3-4 leaf phase it lengthens up to 1 m. The root system is branched. The central taproot of an adult plant grows in depth up to 3-4 meters, it resists soil drought well. Lateral 2-3 orders depart from the central root. They are located parallel to the soil in a layer of 10-45 cm and extend from the central root to a distance of 2 m. The lateral roots of a sunflower are overgrown with a dense network of tiny roots that absorb water and nutrients. Root growth stops by the stage of inflorescence formation.

The leaves and stem of the sunflower are rough to the touch, densely covered with bristle-like hard hairs. The leaves are simple, large, petiolate, dark green in color, cover the stem to the top, which ends with an inflorescence (basket), consisting of 2 types of flowers: reed and tubular.

Sunflower flowers are yellow in different shades. There are varieties with yellow-brown flowers. After pollination, the tubular bisexual flowers form fruit. Sunflower is a cross-pollinated crop.Some bred varieties may have several basket inflorescences on long peduncles growing from the leaf axils.

Sunflower fruits are achenes. Elongated, wedge-shaped, top covered with a leathery pericarp with 2 well-developed cotyledons inside. It is in the cotyledons that reserve substances in the form of oil and proteins accumulate.

By the size and weight of the fruit, sunflower is divided into 2 types:

• oilseed sunflower, it is distinguished by a thin black skin, a high oil content in the cotyledons (40-50% or more) and small achenes;
• edible sunflower has a denser and thicker achene peel; fruits are distinguished by their size and low oil content in achenes (up to 25-30%).

Achenes are arranged in a circle. Their size varies from edge to center of the basket. The post-harvest period of dormancy of achenes is 1.5-2.0 months.

Annual sunflower, or Oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Popular name - sunflower

Sunflower varieties and hybrids for growing in the country

Sunflower varieties and hybrids are divided into early, medium and late ripening periods. In summer cottages, it is more practical to grow early and medium varieties. The cleaning period in this case allows you to qualitatively prepare the site for the next crop.

Sunflower varieties

From the early sunflower varieties, it is possible to recommend varieties for growing RMS and Spring... They differ in a short growing season - 77-83 days, high oil content. Sowing in southern regions with a long warm period can be carried out in 2 terms: spring in May and repeated until July 20 with a full harvest. "Spring" is drought-resistant, tolerates hot dry summers well.

Early ripening sunflower varieties: Yenisei, Cruise, Buzuluk form a harvest in 80-90 days. The low oil content of the Yenisei pays off by the highest yield of a clean kernel among the early ripening varieties.

Early maturing sunflower varieties: VNIIMK-8883 improved, Cossack, Berezansky, Donskoy-60 with a growing season within 80-86 days. VNIIMK-8883 has been zoned since 1972 and has been successfully cultivated to this day in the Volga region. Resistant to adverse weather conditions.

Mid-early sunflower varieties: Flagship, SPK, Favorite, Master, Gourmet... The last variety stands out for its very large seeds and kernel taste. Lakomka and SPK are confectionery varieties. They are used as a nut raw material for cakes and other baked goods.

From mid-season sunflower varieties stand out Donskoy large-fruitedforming a large achene with a high kernel quality.

Annual sunflower, or Oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower hybrids

It is believed that the variety is more resistant to the transmission of maternal traits. And this is the main mistake of gardeners in their relation to sunflower. Sunflower varieties, due to cross-pollination, form genetically heterogeneous seed material, in which degradation processes prevail. Therefore, for propagation of sunflower varieties, only seed material of the first reproduction is always acquired. All subsequent ones will be clearly heterogeneous: different heights, the size of flower baskets, an extended period of ripening of achenes, etc.

Unlike varieties, sunflower hybrids are characterized by high genetic homogeneity, which contributes to the simultaneous passage of development phases (seedling, mass flowering, formation, ripening of the crop, etc.). Hybrids are more resistant to stressful weather situations, diseases and pests, and form higher yields.

Currently, breeders are conducting targeted work on the development of hybrid varieties of sunflower. For successful cultivation in summer cottages in the southern regions and central regions of Russia and the CIS, we can recommend:

Early ripening hybrids: Jupiter, Donskoy-22, Triumph.

Early maturing hybrids: PR64A86 / PR64A86, PR64A89 / PR64A89, Kuban-930, Pace, Hidalgo, Tremia, Leopard, with a growing season of 86 to 97 days. Resistant to fungal and bacterial diseases and plant parasite broomrape. They are characterized by cold and drought resistance, which makes it possible to grow these hybrids almost everywhere. The Tremia hybrid is adapted to the northern regions. Forms high yields in 90 days.

Medium early: Signal, Prestige, Arol, Forward with a growing season of 100-108 days. Forward is characterized by rapid development in the initial stages, which significantly reduces dependence on high spring temperatures and lack of moisture.

Mid-season: Donskoy 1448, Guarantee.

When purchasing varietal and hybrid seeds for reproduction, it is imperative to choose zoned ones, which will significantly reduce the amount of crop losses from pests and diseases.

Sunflower environmental requirements

Sunflower is a plant in regions with a long hot period, a sufficient number of sunny days, it is demanding for heat, lighting, soil fertility and moisture supply. The growing season of sunflower lasts from 80 to 140 days, depending on the variety. Therefore, sunflower grows normally and forms crops in the open field only in certain regions where climatic and agronomic conditions meet its requirements.

If, in general, the climate in the region is suitable for growing sunflower, but spring frosts up to -4 ..- 6 ° C are repeated annually, then agricultural experts do not recommend growing this food crop, especially of medium-late and late varieties. For a long growing season (100-140 days), the harvest will still not be complete and will not ripen.

Sunflower seed shoots

Sunflower temperature requirements

The best areas for sunflower are places without shade and constant winds. When shaded, the plants stretch out, bend towards the sun, form small baskets of inflorescences and crushed achenes.

For normal growth and development of sunflower, the required temperature is + 20 ... + 27 ° C. Seedlings are cold-resistant and can withstand air temperatures down to -5 ..- 6 ° С, but for germination they need soil warmed up to +8 .. + 12 ° С.

Sunflower lighting requirements

In relation to the length of sunlight, the sunflower belongs to the group of neutral plants, but has a positive reaction to the length of the day during the flowering period. If the intensity of illumination during this period is high, the sunflower enters the generative phase of development earlier; in cold, foggy-rainy weather, the process of entering the next phase is delayed. The crop is formed and ripens at a later date. Therefore, it is advisable to sow sunflower in illuminated areas, avoiding even temporary shading, and protected from the wind.

Sunflower moisture requirements

For the formation of the vegetative mass, which provides the generative organs of the plant with the necessary nutrients, the sunflower requires a lot of water, especially in the initial period of development, when the roots are in the upper layer of the soil, which most often suffers from dry weather. At the same time, sunflower is drought-resistant. In adulthood, he is not afraid of heat, since a powerful root system is able to extract water from the lower soil horizons (3-4 m). The sunflower needs regular watering until the flowering phase, and then the number is reduced. Watering is carried out at the request of weather conditions (long hot period, drying winds, etc.).

Sunflower soil requirements

Soil conditions with timely fertilization do not play a radical role for sunflower. However, the culture prefers chernozems, sandy loams, floodplain and loess soils. (Loess soils are macroporous soils containing calcium carbonates and exhibiting subsidence properties when soaked with water under load). Sunflower grows well on humus and deciduous soils.The optimum acidity of the soil is pH = 6.5-7.0-7.2. Does not tolerate heavy clay soils, acidic and saline.

Young sunflower seedlings

Sunflower growing technology

When placing sunflower in the garden crop rotation, it is necessary to provide for its return to its original place not earlier than 6-8-10 years. The longest break (up to 10 years) is necessary if there is a broomrape in the garden. It is better to place the sunflower on the predecessors with a shallow root system so as not to dry out the deep layers of the soil, the water of which is necessary for the sunflower.

Undesirable predecessors of sunflower from this point of view are alfalfa, sugar beet, perennial herbs. When selecting predecessors, pay attention to crops that have common pests and diseases (soybeans, peas, rapeseed, tomatoes, onions, beans).

The best neighbors and predecessors of sunflower are potatoes, sweet corn and others, which make it possible to prepare the soil for sunflower in the fall. Tall grasses are a great neighbor when grown outside the crop circulation (near a hedge, in a vacant lot).

Soil preparation for sunflower

A plot for sunflower is prepared depending on the type of soil, the condition of the plot and its fertility. On all types of soils, during autumn preparation, the site is cleared of weeds and tops of predecessors.

• A cleared area in regions with a long warm autumn is usually dug up to 15-20 cm. Heavy soils are also subject to digging. Before digging, it is necessary to add loosening materials: humus, compost, high moor peat.
• Light (deciduous, sandy loam) soils do not need to be dug up. Carry out cultivation or deep hoeing by 8-10 cm, sow autumn green manures and, when a green mass of 6-8 cm in height is obtained, embed them in the soil. Siderata can be left until spring. In the spring, mow and embed it in the soil or immediately dig it up no deeper than 10-15 cm.
• If the garden bed of crop rotation in previous years did not receive organic fertilizers, then humus or mature compost (0.5-1.0 bucket / m²) is introduced in the fall.
• If necessary, for digging, mineral nitrogen-phosphorus or only phosphorus fats, 30 and 40 g / m, respectively, are introduced with or without organic matter.
• On chernozems, you can not use organic matter, but apply a complete mineral fertilizer (nitrophoska, azofoska, phosphorus-potassium), approximately 50-70 g / m². When applying potash fertilizers, it is necessary to use potassium sulfate, since sunflower has a negative attitude towards chlorides.

A bed with sunflowers

Preparing sunflower seeds for sowing

For sowing, seeds of the first reproduction in varieties and the first generation in hybrids are always used. Given that the sunflower is a cross-pollinated culture, an ordinary specimen can grow from the collected home material, which has nothing to do with the mother plant. Therefore, it is better to use purchased planting material for sowing.

• For sowing, sunflower seeds of one fraction are selected, which contributes to high simultaneous germination of plants (not extended in time).
• If the seed was purchased in a store, then it does not need to be prepared for sowing, since all the procedures have already been performed by the corresponding company.
• If sunflower seeds are harvested on their own, then it is necessary to pickle against fungal and bacterial diseases. Of the disinfectants, you can use the preparations Vincit, Scarlet, Winner, TMTD. To protect sunflower crops from wireworms, Gaucho is added to the solution.
• At home, it is safer to disinfect sunflower seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate or bactophyte and, after drying, process them in any growth stimulator - immunocytophyte, root, etc.

Sowing sunflower

The timing of sunflower sowing depends on the climatic conditions of the region, therefore, it is better to determine the seeding of seeds by the temperature of the soil in the sowing layer.The soil temperature in the 5-7 cm layer during the week should be at least 8 ° C. The optimum is +10 .. + 12 ° С.

Sown sunflower seeds germinate at an ambient temperature of +16 .. + 25 ° C. If the temperature is outside the specified limits, you may not get seedlings. The second indispensable condition for obtaining friendly seedlings of sunflower is sufficient soil moisture. However, when waterlogged, the seeds undergo putrefactive processes and lose their germination.

Interesting! In the soil, sunflower seeds remain viable for up to 12 years.

It is better to use a nesting scheme for sowing sunflower at home, observing the distance between the nests 35-45 cm, and between rows 0.7-1.0 m, depending on the variety or hybrid. Thickened plantings grind the sizes of inflorescences and seeds. The planting depth of sunflower seeds is 3-4-5 cm. 2-3 seeds are placed in each nest. When the second pair of leaves unfolds, the crops are thinned out, leaving the strongest seedling. Weak seedlings are cut. Do not pull out, so as not to damage the root system of a neighboring plant.

Sunflower seedlings appear on the 8-15th day. With a deep sowing, seedlings may appear on the 20-25th day. When sowing, you can add 10-15 g of ammonium nitrate directly to the hole, which will accelerate the emergence of sunflower seedlings.

Sunflower care

The long pre-emergence period of sunflower and slow growth in the first phases of development, wide row spacings provided by the sowing scheme, contribute to the development of weeds that oppress the culture, especially immediately after germination. Therefore, systematic loosening of the soil is necessary in order to destroy weeds. They are carried out:

• in the phase of sunflower seedlings;
• after 2 weeks, more precisely - when 2 pairs of leaves are formed;
• when the third pair of leaves appears, the loosening of the row spacings is deepened to 10 cm; during this period, you need to spud the plants to better strengthen the root system;
• the next loosening is carried out in the phase of 5-6 leaves; by this time the plants reach a height of 30-40 cm; loosening is stopped when the growth of the sunflower reaches 70-80 cm or when the rows close.
• During the flowering period, it is necessary to re-hilling or install supports under tall sunflower bushes.

Top dressing of sunflower

Top dressing of sunflower begins with the development phase of the third pair of leaves. In the first top dressing, 20-30 g of superphosphate and 5-10 g / m² of ammonium nitrate are introduced into the aisles.

The second is carried out at the beginning of the formation of baskets. Considering that sunflower uses large amounts of nutrients for the formation of the crop, it is necessary in this phase to add 2 cups of wood ash and 30-40 g of azophoska or mullein infusion diluted with water 1:10 per m². Add 20-30 g of potassium sulfate to a bucket of mullein working solution. It is during the formation of flower baskets that sunflower needs increased amounts of potassium.

The third feeding with potassium sulfate is carried out in the phase of maturation of sunflower seeds.

Some experienced gardeners advise, when sowing sunflowers, to provide plants with food immediately for the entire growing season. This technique is best used on soils with medium and sufficient nutrient supply. Prepare a nutrient mixture by mixing compost, wood ash and Azophoska at the rate of 0.5 buckets of compost, a glass of ash and 2 tablespoons of Azophoska per m². Apply the mixture directly under the sunflower sowing or spread over the planting holes.

On depleted soils, it is more expedient to use the above-described or another feeding scheme extended over time.

Watering sunflower

Sunflower is a heat and drought tolerant crop and does not require constant watering. Watering is started when the topsoil dries up by 2-4 cm. At the same time, during periods of growth of 2 - 4 pairs of leaves, formation of a sunflower basket, budding, mass flowering and filling of seeds, abundant watering with a sufficiently high rate is required. Irrigation water should wet the soil to the depth of the main roots. Frequent watering at small rates will not provide the desired effect. With a lack of moisture, accompanied by rapid aging of the leaves, the oil content in sunflower seeds is noticeably reduced.

Sunflower protection from diseases and pests

Sunflower is a favorite pest crop.The sweetish taste of young achenes, stems and leaves with a pleasant smell attract more than 35 types of pests. About 20 types of fungal and bacterial infections attack plants from the moment of germination and accompany them until harvest. In small areas, it is inappropriate to treat the culture with chemicals, especially in the later stages of development. In this case, it is better to use biological products harmless to humans: biofungicides and bioinsecticides.

Sunflower rot that has spread to the entire inflorescence

Sunflower diseases

The main diseases of sunflower are fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, including white, gray, coal, root and other types of rot, downy mildew, phomopsis, rust, verticillium wilt, alternaria or dark brown spot, leaf mosaic. Diseases harm all parts of the plant, which eventually causes its death.

The main measures to protect sunflower from diseases when grown in the country is the observance of crop rotation. When grown separately, spatial isolation from other crops with similar diseases plays a significant role.

In the early stages of the manifestation of diseases, sunflower can be treated with chemicals, but they are dangerous for humans and domestic animals. It is better to use biologics at home that are harmless to humans. Processing with these preparations is possible before the harvest itself.

Biofungicides are well combined in tank mixes with bioinsecticides. From biological products against diseases, Fitosporin can be recommended, of various modifications (golden autumn, Olympic nano-gel, universal, anti-rot, extra, universal, resuscitator and others). All modifications are directed against fungal and bacterial infection. Some are able to save a plant with an advanced form of disease (phytosporin resuscitator). Products treated with phytosporin anti-rot can be used immediately for food. For other biological products, the waiting period does not exceed 3-7 days. Processed products are stored 2 times longer. All modifications of phytosporin increase the immunity of plants to re-infection, stimulate growth and development, and are capable of destroying not individual species, but a number of fungal and bacterial diseases. In addition to phytosporin, biofungicides double-acting gaupsin, trichodermin, glyocladin, etc. can be used.

Sunflower pests

The most common pests of sunflower are meadow moth, moth (moth), sunflower spiker, aphids, click beetles, scoops, crickets, weevils, spider mites, bed bugs. The roots are damaged by wireworms (click beetle larva), beetles, and may beetle larvae.

It is more practical to use at home tank mixtures of biological products for diseases and pests. First, you need to check for the compatibility of drugs. When used in accordance with the recommendations, bicol, boverin, nemabact, antonem-F, aktofit, avertin, aversectin-C, bitoxibacillin and others provide a good effect.

The main method of protection, when growing any crop, not only sunflower, is compliance with agrochemical requirements for growing, which significantly reduces the number of pests and the level of infectious background of the garden plot. The saying is always true: it is more successful to prevent a fire than to extinguish it.

Sunflower seeds in inflorescence

Sunflower harvesting

To save the crop from birds, a long gauze bag is pulled over the sunflower's cap. Long hanging edges will prevent birds from reaching the seeds. There are other ways to protect yourself.

On the 35-40th day after flowering, the process of oil accumulation is completed in sunflower seeds. There is evaporation of moisture from the achenes, they reach wax ripeness.The sunflower harvesting period begins when the inflorescence freezes in one position, tilting the basket with achenes to the east. At this time, the sunflower leaves dry out, changing color from green to dark brown. Shrunken, they hang on the same dark brown stem.

Sunflower baskets with achenes are left to dry on the stems if the weather is dry and sunny. In raw - carefully cut and laid out in the shade for additional drying. When there is a delay in harvesting, in order to reduce losses, the achenes are shaken out into a substituted bucket. Dry under a canopy. They must be winded from debris, put in paper bags or natural fabric bags and stored in a dry place. Some gardeners wash the seeds from dust and dirt before drying.