Sunflower:- Helianthus annus

Helianthus annus Word is derived from two words : Helios means "sun" and Annus means "Flower" The head of suflower is called as Capitulai.

-The optimum range of soil pH for this crop is 6.5 to 8.5. 

It thrives best on deep loam soils with good drainage and irrigation facilities 

Seed rate: 5-7.5 kg/ha 

1000 seed weight 43-45g. 

Seed is called "Achene". 

It is thermo- insensitive crop.

 It is mainly grown in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. 

Critical stage of irrigation: - 

Bud initiation (35-40 DAS) > 

Flower opening (55-65 DAS) > 

Seed filling (65-90 DAS)

Auxin activity is more in Apical portion of flower. 

Sunflower is a day crop.

 Sunflower contains 45-50% oil. 

Chaffiness means non filling of seed Sunflower is intercropped with groundnut, Arhar, urd etc. 

It has high seed multiplication ratio (>1:80). Average yield : 18-20 q/hectare.

Sowing time: 

> Kharif : July to 1st week of August 

> Rabi : November 1st to 2nd week Summer : February 2nd week 

> Germination type : Epigeal

 Major Disease: 

Alternaria blight (Alternaria carthami) 

Leaf spot (Cercospora carthami) 

•Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum Varieties: 

Modern 

MSFH-8,17

 Jwalamukhi 

KBSH-1 

JS-1,

 Sunrise selection 

E.C. 68413