Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Sowing

Time of Sowing
Sunflower, being a photo and thermo insensitive could be grown throughout the year in India. With the exception of freezing temperatures, the sowing of sunflower can be done in any month of the year.The optimum time of sowing of sunflower is June-July for kharif, September-October for rabi and December-January for spring season. It takes about 80-90 days in kharif, 105-130 days in rabi and 100-110 days in spring season.

Seed Rate
Seed rate of 5-8 kg/ha for hybrids and 8-10 kg for dwarf genotypes aresufficient to ensure good crop stand. Sunflower seed loses its viability at a faster rate; hence one should not use older seed for sowing unless it is supported by germination test.






Fig: Sunflower seeds.

Spacing

 

Sunflower should be sown in lines with 45 cm for short duration and dwarf genotypes and 60 cm for hybrids. After 10-12 days of germination, extra seedlings should be uprooted to provide a space of 20-30 cm between plants in rows.Method of Sowing Seed should normally be sown at 3-4 cm depth, depending on the moisture status of the seed bed for better stand. Sunflower is generally sown on flat beds but to ensure germination sowing on ridges prepared at desired distance followed by irrigation's recommended. On flat beds sowing can be done either behind desi plough or with seed drill. However, dibbling of 2-3 seeds per hill is recommended for maintaining optimum population, particularly for ridge sowing.



Fig: Germination stage. Fig: Seedling stage.




Fig: Flowering stage.




Fig: Flowering stage.




Fig: Sunflower field.