This year, SUNFLOWER is gaining momentum in the sowing structure. So it’s time for us to briefly discuss its growth phase, the optimal conditions required, and the productivity elements that are formed.

🌻 GERMINATION – 2-4 TRUE LEAF PAIRS 🌻 – soil temperature of 6-8°C; soil moisture of 70-80% field capacity. This is a critical period for supplying Phosphorus, Boron, Zinc, and Manganese. During this period, root system formation occurs and plant stand density is determined. An agronomic technique to improve growth processes is the treatment of seeds and foliar application with a biostimulant in combination with microfertilizerss (with emphasis on Phosphorus).

🌻 4-6 TRUE LEAF PAIRS – BUD FORMATION 🌻 – optimal air temperature of 22-24°C; total water consumption of 20-25% of the total requirement; plants utilize 60-70% of Nitrogen during this period. Adequate Potassium levels increase plant drought resistance, while Phosphorus enhances seed oil content. Foliar application of complex microfertilizers (with emphasis on Phosphorus and Potassium) + Boron (to improve pollination processes) is necessary. The use of anti-stress agents helps mitigate the negative effects of stressful factors.

🌻 FLOWERING – MATURITY 🌻 – optimal air temperature of 24-25°C, with maximum water consumption (60%) during this period. Cloudy weather or air temperature above 28-30°C and moisture deficit can lead to incomplete seed filling (ranging from 30 to 35%). Stress factors can result in pollen sterility. The percentage of pollination, final quantitative and qualitative yield indicators (1000 seed weight, oil content) are determined during this period. Physiological maturity occurs when seed moisture content is <28%.

➡️✅ Therefore, quantitative yield indicators are formed until the flowering phase (inclusive): grain count per head and percentage of pollination, while qualitative indicators are determined afterward.

🌻 So, stay tuned with TerraTimes for the latest updates! 🌻