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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION OF TURKMENISTAN

TURKMEN AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION CENTER

MANUAL ON CULTIVATION OF
SUNFLOWER

Ashgabat
Turkmen state publishing service
2021
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UOK
G

G Manual on cultivation of sunflower. - A .: Turkmen state

publishing service

The scientific and production manual was prepared on the basis of

research data carried out in various climatic conditions of Turkmenistan
and in the relevant research institutions of Central Asia.
The manual gives advice on agro technical rules, methods and
timing of the development of sunflower cultivation. It also describes the
main diseases and insects encountered in this crop, which adversely
affect the quantity and quality of the crop, as well as how to control
them.
The manual is intended for agricultural specialists, tenants, farmers,
teachers and students of agricultural specialties of higher and secondary
educational institutions.

TDKP № КБК №

© Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental

Protection of Turkmenistan, 2021

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 INTRODUCTION

The program for the development of the agro-industrial complex of

Turkmenistan for 2019-2025, adopted under the leadership of President
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, provides for an increase in the volume of
agricultural products in our country and a reduction in its imports. In the
program it is aimed increasing the production of vegetable oil in the
country by 89,334 tons in terms of the main indicators of agricultural
production in 2019-2025. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to
increase the number of cultivated oilseed varieties in our country. In
particular, it is necessary to expand the crops of sunflower, corn and
sesame, which are oilseeds, and to give the possibility of their cultivation
on a scientific basis. Sowing these crops increases the supply of food to
the population and strengthens the fodder base of animal husbandry.
There is also the possibility of scientifically based crop rotation and soil
reclamation. With the introduction of crop rotation, diseases, insects and
weeds that affect crop yields are reduced, the soil is enriched and, as a
result, the use of chemicals is limited.
The economic and industrial importance of sunflower cultivation is
very significant. Sunflower seed ingredients are nutritious food for
humans. Its fat-containing residues can contain over 36% protein, 20-
22% carbohydrates and 6% high-quality fats and are used as a high-
calorie feed for livestock. A 100 kg feed unit is stored in 100 kg of
sunflower silage. Long-stemmed sunflower varieties are planted as silage
crops in several countries around the world.
Given the importance of sunflower in food processing and
agriculture, this guide has been prepared to improve the skills of farmers,
tenants and growers.

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 BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF SUNFLOWER

North America is considered the homeland of sunflower. That is,

archaeological excavations confirm that the Indians who lived there
planted this crop 2,000 years ago. In the International Nomenclature of
Botanical Systematics of sunflower, it belongs to the Astral family and is
named after Helianthus annus L. Sunflower is an annual plant in which
the arrow root reaches a depth of 2-4 meters, and the lateral roots spread
up to 120 centimeters in diameter. Height 2.5-5.0 meters, but 50-70
centimeters is also widely cultivated in production. As a result of long-
term selection from wild sunflower species, a cultural form was created
(Fig. 1).

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Picture 1. 1-wild-type sunflower; 2- Cultivar sunflower

The process of sunflower emergence is divided into the formation of

the first true leaves, flowering, ripening, and the formation of baskets. In
favorable soil and climatic conditions for these periods, the average
sowing is 9-15 days from sowing to germination, 30-40 days from
germination to basket formation, 19-28 days from basket formation to
flowering, 12-17 days from flowering germination to formation seeds, it
takes 21-30 days from seed formation to full maturation. Depending on
the variety, the duration of the total development period is 90-140 days.

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 Each basket of sunflower produces an average of 600-1200 flowers,
and they are cross-pollinated by insects and wind. Therefore, it is
desirable that the bee colony is close to the planted sunflowers. 35-42
days after flowering, i.e. until the back of the basket turns yellow, the
seed germinates and fat accumulates in it. During this period, if the
plants are dehydrated and the soil moisture is low, most of the seeds will
be empty. After irrigation, its lateral roots are formed at a depth of 4-5
cm from the soil, which should be taken into account when carrying out
inter-row cultivation.
The chemical composition of some sunflower flesh. Sunflower
leaves and flowers contain substances such as flavonoids
(quercimerithrin), glycosides (scopoline, cytosteroline), carotene (β-
carotene, cryptoxanthin), phenolic carboxylic acids (chlorate, coffee). Its
seeds contain 40-52% fat, up to 20% protein, up to 25% carbohydrates,
as well as sterols, carotene, phospholipids, vitamins PP and E, fatty
acids. Its 100 grams of unrefined seeds provide 130% of the daily
requirement of vitamin E, 70% of vitamin B5, 40% of vitamin B6, 39%
of protein, 115% of phosphorus and 115% of copper, 35% of zinc, 32%
of magnesium, 24% of potassium and 21% of iron which are essential
for humans. (Figure 2).

1 2 3
Picture 2. Types of sunflower seeds
1 - grade Altai; 2 - "White grade"; 3 - grade "Sun"

Sunflower's requirement for light. The sunflower is the plant that

needs light. Therefore, it is also called the flower of the Sun (greek
Helio-sun, antusium-flower). The name of the sunflower is given to the
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fact that its basket is always directed in the direction where the sun is.
Throughout its growth, it requires a lot of intense sunlight. Stretching its
ranks south-north or east-west has a positive effect on its growth. If there
is not enough sunlight, the process of photosynthesis decreases, and the
development of the sunflower stops and the yield decreases.
Sunflower’s requirement for heat. For sunflower seeds, before
ripening, an average of 2600-2800 ° C of usable heat is required. Its
seeds germinate at a temperature of + 4- + 6 ° C, therefore it is
recommended to sow at a soil temperature above + 6 ° C at a depth.
Then, if the soil is moist enough, germination appears after 8-9 days. The
optimum temperature for seed germination is + 20- + 27 ° C. Young
plants can withstand temperatures of -7-8 degrees. From sunrise to
flowering, the sunflower's need for heat increases. The optimum
temperature for its good growth during flowering requires + 20 + 25 ° C.
Temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius have a detrimental effect on the
plant, at +40 degrees Celsius the rate of photosynthesis decreases, the
leaves wither and curl. If the heat of the air gets during the flowering of a
sunflower, pollination of flowers, germination of seeds, then this leads to
non-yield. The presence of cool air negatively affects its flowering and
productivity during the period when 8-12 leaves appear.
Sunflower’s water requirement. Although considered a drought
tolerant crop, sunflower is in high demand for water. The transpiration
coefficient is 450-570. The need for water in sunflower at different
stages of development is not the same. It uses 23% of the water it needs
throughout its growth, from germination to basket formation, 60% from
basket formation to flowering, and the remaining 17% from flowering to
harvest. Lack of moisture and nutrients at a time when water for
sunflower is in high demand make the baskets small and the seeds
empty. At the beginning of its development, the sunflower receives water
from the upper layers of the soil, and from the lower layers after 40-50
centimeters from the moment the basket is formed. The most demanding
period for watering a sunflower is from flowering before the formation
of the basket. The sunflower should not be watered until the seeds are
ripe from flowering (until the color on the back of the baskets turns
yellow) without losing moisture. This should be taken into account when
fishing for growth reservoirs.

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 Sunflower’s nutrient requirements. Sunflower differs from other
crops in its nutrient requirements. At different stages of development, the
need for sunflower nutrients is not the same. The sunflower receives
16% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus and 9% potassium, which it needs from
the soil throughout its life, up to 30 days after germination. When it
starts to bloom, it gets 60% nitrogen, 80% phosphorus and 90%
potassium. It replenishes feed leftovers until it ripens after flowering.
Typically, most of the phosphorus is absorbed from the bud to the
flowering period, from the time when the basket requires a lot of
nitrogen from the beginning of formation to the end of flowering, and
potassium is absorbed throughout its development. Adequate nutrition of
sunflower has a good effect on the normal development of growth probes
(leaves, baskets). It gets 2 times more nitrogen, 2.6 times more
phosphorus and 10 times more potassium than winter wheat. Sunflower
absorbs 6 kg of nitrogen, 2.6 kg of phosphoric acid and 18.6 kg of
potassium oxide from the soil, which gives an average yield of 1 quintal.
Excessive or insufficient supply of nitrogen before the formation of the
basket negatively affects the quality of the formed seeds. Excessive
nitrogen excretion after flowering sunflower reduces the oil content of
the seeds. The combination of phosphorus with other mineral fertilizers
helps the roots of the seed baskets. They will become drought resistant,
fertile and strong.

SUNFLOWER VARIETIES

Depending on the structure of the sunflower, the length of the stem,

the characteristics of the leaves, the size of the baskets, the size and color
of the seeds, the yield of the oil, its resistance to pests and its use in the
national economy, they are divided into varieties for oilseeds and
sowing. In many parts of the world, several varieties and hybrids of
sunflower are grown, which are characterized by high oil content,
resistant to diseases and pests and to adverse environmental conditions.
Each of the varieties and hybrids has its own unique characteristics.
Currently, a number of sunflower varieties are produced for the
production of sunflower oil and the preparation of feed for domestic
animals (livestock).

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 Groups of sunflower varieties by ripeness

Depending on the duration of the growing season of sunflower,

varieties are distinguished fast-growing, early ripening and mature in the
intermediate period. Early ripening varieties ripen in 80-90 days, early
ripening - in 100 days, mid-ripening - in 110 days. The yield of fast-
growing and early-maturing varieties averages 3.0 tons per hectare, with
an oil content of up to 48-52% in seeds. The yield of mid-season
varieties averages 4.0 tons per hectare and retains up to 50-54% oil.
Fast-growing varieties include Yengish, Gundogar, Yyldyz, Yengiji,
and Gunesh variets. Fast growing varieties are intended for planting in
areas where frosts fall early. (Figure 3).

Picture 3. Sunflower genus Yenisey

Early ripening varieties - ripen 10 days earlier than mid-ripening

ones, i.e. 80-100 days pass from germination to ripening. The yield of
early-maturing varieties and the fat content of seeds are lower than those
of mid-season varieties. However, there is information that they collect
2.5-3.8 tons per hectare and up to 4.5 tons from the irrigated area. Fat
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content of seeds is 48-52%, sometimes 55%. Industrial varieties include
YABI-8883 improved, Shapak, Chigitli Hybrid, Saray Hybrid, Shapak-2,
Zer, Sakhra-272, Sakhra-50, Sakhra-296 hybrids.
Mid-season varieties mature in 90-130 days and are considered the
most productive varieties. The results of regional trials of these varieties
show that 3.01-3.48 tons of yield per hectare and 1.55-1.75 tons of oil
are obtained from each hectare. Their seeds are large, weighing 65-90
grams per 1000 seeds. Plant height is 150-210 centimeters. Examples of
them: Ýeňiş gowulaşdyrlan, Sowgat-60, Ak mangyz -3497.
The oil is also extracted from mid-season varieties and used to
fertilize their seeds. The appearance of the plants of these varieties and
the characteristics of the household are similar to those planted for food.
Plant height, stem thickness and basket size are less than varieties
planted for hulling and more than varieties planted for oil. Length of the
growing season and infectious instability are similar to cultivated
varieties (hulling). The density of the seed and basket cells is the same
for oil production.
Groups of sunflower varieties by characteristics of use.
According to their characteristics, sunflower varieties are divided into
groups, from which extracted for oil and also extracted for shelling.
The varieties of the oil group with a height of 0.60-2.5 meters are
distinguished by a thin stem, a small basket diameter (10-14-20 cm), a
thin hard (pansir) layer of seed bark and other flowers. They differ from
species. Oilseed varieties are used for food purposes. They are small in
size and contain a lot of oil. Fat content of seeds of oil-bearing varieties
is not less than 52-55%. Oilseed varieties are characterized by a short
development period and resistance to infections. It is convenient to
harvest them with a combine harvester. Examples of this include
sunflower varieties YBI-1646, YBI-6540, YBI-8931, YBI-8883, and -
3497. (Figure 4).
Plants of cultivars for hulling reach 4 meters in height and have
thick stems. They represent one large basket, the diameter of the basket
is 17-45 centimeters, the length of the seeds is 1.1-2.3 cm, the width is
0.8-2 cm, the weight of 1000 seeds is about 64-159 grams. Fat content is
20-35% lower than that of varieties grown for oil production. The bark
of the seeds of this variety is soft (without pansir), therefore, it is

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susceptible to massive damage by sunflower. Their harvest ripens late,
often dropping due to the length of the neck. Combine harvester is
inconvenient to harvest. It contains vitamins that have a positive effect
on human health. However, it is not recommended to peel more than 50
grams of it at a time every day. (Figure 5).

Picture 4. Sunflower Sakhra-50 variety for oil extraction

Figure 5. Sunflower of the luxury class, grown for shelling

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 Characteristics of sunflower hybrids

As it is known, hybrid varieties of agricultural crops differ from

their traditional varieties in higher yield and higher quality of the crop.
Hybrids are considered to be annual plants with high economic
properties. Their yield is on average 15% higher than that of traditional
varieties.
Sapak hybrids are considered to be less disease resistant than other
hybrids. Productivity is not less than 50 centners per hectare. It reaches a
height of 180 centimeters; the diameter of the basket is 18 centimeters.
The ripening period is 115 days.
The ripening period of the Sakhra hybrid is 111 days. He reaches
175 centimeters in height. Basket diameter is 23 cm. Oil extraction is up
to 52%.Yields up to 43 cents per hectare.
Saray hybrid is grown by a collective for oil extraction. Oil
production is over 50%. Loves warmth and humid air, is resistant to
infectious diseases. Reaches 170 centimeters in height, the diameter of
the basket is 24 centimeters, and the yield is up to 45 centners per
hectare. The ripening period is 110 days.
Yagly hybrid. This sunflower hybrid is significantly different from
other hybrids in high yield. The yield reaches 60 centners per hectare. It
has height 170 centimeters, basket diameter 25 centimeters. Ripening
period is 105-110 days. Oil extraction is up to 52%.
Hybrid "Ak mangyz-3497" is a new hybrid created in recent years.
Oil extraction is up to 50%. Productivity is from 45.0 kg / ha. Disease
resistance is high and reaches 170 centimeters in height. Basket diameter
is up to 20 centimeters.

Tested varieties and hybrids of sunflower in

Turkmenistan

In 2020, on irrigated and sandy soils of joint stock breeding named

after S. Rozmetov of the Dashoguz region planted various sunflower
hybrids. Regular monitoring of germination, productivity and economic
characteristics of sunflower hybrids planted on the experimental plot was
carried out.

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 The characteristics of the tested sunflower hybrids are as follows:
Hybrid Sakar - quickly adapt to changes in soil and climatic
conditions. The yield of local production averages 20.5 centners per
hectare. The mass of 1000 seeds is 47.0 g, the ripening period is 111-115
days, the plant height is 160-180 centimeters. Oil extraction is 46.7%.
Hasylly hybrid average yield is 23.7 c / ha, 1000 seeds weighing
48.0 g, vegetation period 100-105 days, plant height 100-110
centimeters. Oil production is 51.8%.
Sanly hybrid is distinguished from other hybrids by its high oil
yield. The average yield is 29.0 centners per hectare, the weight of 1000
seeds is 47.2 grams, the ripening period is 100-105 days, the plant height
is 100-110 centimeters. 47.2% oil extraction.
Batly hybrid is resistant to infectious diseases such as flour dust,
leakage and phimosis. The average yield is 27.6 kg / ha. The mass of
1000 seeds is 60.2 grams, the ripening period is 100-105 days, and the
plant height is 100-110 centimeters. Oil production is 44.6%.
Gunesh hybrid grows 160-165 centimeters, ripening period 110
days, mature sunflower basket 21-23 centimeters in diameter, 1000 seeds
weigh 55-60 grams, grows in the intermediate period. Productivity is
32.2 kg / ha. Oil extraction is 46.9%.

SUNFLOWER CULTIVATION

The fact that the sunflower ripens at different times allows it to be

planted and grown in spring and summer (as a catch crop). Depending on
these dates, the soil is also prepared for sowing.
Choosing a field for planting sunflowers. It is important to choose
where to plant sunflower in order to grow it. For planting it, it needs to
choose light and medium clayey non-saline soils. Highly saline, clayey
and light sandy soils are not suitable for planting this crop.
The role of sunflower in crop rotation. Sunflowers should not be
planted in the same spot on a regular basis due to the ubiquitous spread
of pests and their rapid distribution. It is recommended to plant it on the
sown plot after 6-7 years (Figure 6). Sunflower is picky about soil and
nutrients. The best crops for him are winter grains, cotton, corn, beets
and potatoes. It should not be planted on crops of the legume family, that

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is, alfalfa, beans, wort. This is because they have many common pests
and diseases, and they can be abundant and cause great harm. After
sunflower, it is convenient to plant winter crops: cotton, corn, beets.

Figure 6. Sunflower in crop rotation

Spraying with herbicides against perennial weeds. In the

presence of perennial weeds (especially reed, tar, mullein) in a sunflower
field, 6-8 liters of octopus, glyphosate or one of the late herbicides per
hectare should be sprayed with 300 liters of water per hectare. It is best
to carry out this work in the fall of next year - from October 10-30, and
in the summer 15-20 days before sowing.
Pre-arable irrigation. Irrigation water is essential for improving the
quality of basic soil cultivation. This water should be stored at a rate of
600 m3 per hectare under old furrows. The optimal period for pre-
plowing irrigation is from October 20 to November 20 on plots that will
be sown in spring. Pre-arable irrigation is not carried out on surface areas
of groundwater (Dashoguz, Lebap regions). The best time for irrigation
is when sowing sunflower (after crop rotation, after wheat) - from June
5-20.

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 Fertilizer before plowing. The yield increases with the introduction
of organic sunflower fertilizers. For this, it is recommended to give 20-
40 tons of fertilizer per hectare (cattle, sheep or poultry) before plowing.
It is also recommended to add 400 kg of superphosphate and 100 kg of
potassium chloride per hectare before plowing. The application of
fertilizers before plowing enriches the soil with minerals, improves its
water-air and nutrient regime, and has a positive effect on the yield of
sunflower. The best time to do this work is from October 25 to
December 1 when sowing in the spring and from June 10-25 after
sowing wheat.
Steam plowing. Correct and timely plowing is an important
measure to ensure the effectiveness of all agricultural activities: soil
salinization, irrigation, fertilizing crops, processing and pest control, and
disease and weed control. Steam plowing should be carried out with two-
layer reductions in old irrigated areas to a depth of 30-32 centimeters,
depending on the depth of occurrence of harmful salts in grassy areas.
Gently plowing the bottom of the solution to a depth of 30-32
centimeters, while softening the bottom of the solution by 10-12
centimeters, especially in areas with a heavy (dense) and accumulated
layer of harmful salts under the liquid manure. This allows productivity
to be increased by 10-12% compared to conventional plowing. On such
lands, this work must be done every 3 years.
The best time for steam plowing is from November 1 to December 5
in spring sown areas and from June 10 to 25 for sowing after winter
wheat.
Flatten. Good rolling of fields is a guarantee of high yields of
sunflower. When the fields are well leveled, it ensures good water
retention, water for threshing and growth, good tillage, and normal and
healthy germination.
After plowing, leveling is carried out 2 times in a row with
longitudinal levelers. If the sunflower planting area is higher or less (not
evenly), then before plowing and subsequent plowing, these areas are
leveled using bulldozers and scrapers.
The optimal timing for these works is from December 15 to
February 25 on spring sown areas and from June 10 to 26 in summer.

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 Preparation of lands for leaching and diversion of main waters.
If the sunflower field is salty, it is necessary to collect wastewater from
these areas. Therefore, it is important to clean the irrigation and drainage
systems before collecting wastewater. Temporary irrigation ditches
should also be laid in shallow areas and divided into ditches. When this
is done, each irrigation field must be covered and watered separately for
irrigation. The size of the fields should be 0.15-0.25 ha on light soils and
0.25-0.35 ha on medium to heavy soils. On the slopes of the foothills,
sewage is collected by furrows. Furrows are then made at a distance of
70 centimeters, so that they are 120-150 meters in light soils and 150-
180 meters in medium to heavy soils. In the 90-cm row, the furrow
length is increased by 1.2 times. These works are carried out after the
completion of the leveling works.
Capture of wash water. According to the study, the recommended
flow rate of flushing water is 2000-2500 m3 per hectare in slightly saline
areas, 3000-3500 m3 (with 2 lesions) in moderately saline areas and
4500-5000 m3 (with 3 lesions) in highly saline areas. The amount of
water supplied each time should be 1500-1700 m3 per hectare, and the
distance between each watering should be 8-10 days. In lightly salted
areas, it is beneficial to combine rinse and main water.
It is convenient to carry out flushing water from November 20 to
March 10, when the groundwater is lower and its efficiency will be high.
Main water. This water is used to achieve the necessary soil
moisture for normal seed germination. The main water is irrigated on the
slopes at the rate of 1200-1600 m3 per hectare, on the slopes and on the
plains at the rate of 1600-1800 m3 per hectare. The best time to hold on
to throne water is from March 5 to April 5, when the sunflower crop is
planted in the spring, and from June 12 to 28, when it is sown in the
summer. According to research, this robot should complete 10-15 days
before planting on light soils and 20-25 days before planting on medium
to heavy soils.
Presowing works. Before sowing, in irrigated areas, a harrow and
leveling work are carried out. Then his processed with a chisel, rake and
harrows. The working depth should be 12-14 centimeters on light soils
and 14-16 centimeters on medium to heavy soils.

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 In areas where main water is provided by furrows, seedbed
preparation is carried out by rotating the rake or light rake and harrow in
the direction of the row. If, for any reason, fertilizers are not applied to
the lower part of the plowing, 400 kg of superphosphate, 100 kg of urea
and 100 kg of potassium per hectare must be applied before pre-sowing
treatment.
Planting sunflower. To get the maximum yield from this crop, it is
important that the sowing is carried out in a timely manner and with high
quality. Sowing sunflower should be started when the daytime stable air
temperature of 8-10 degrees Celsius. The deadline for work is from
March 10 to April 20 and when sowing winter crops - from June 20 to
July 5. To prevent various diseases, the seeds should be treated in the
prescribed manner with one of the fungicides apron (mefenoxam), rovral
(iprodion) or scarlet (imazazil + tebuconazole). Seeds should be planted
5-6 cm deep in medium to heavy soils, 6-8 cm deep in light sandy soils.
Sowing should be started with light-textured, fast-burning soil. In heavy,
clayey, slowly warming up areas close to groundwater, sowing is
beneficial with late replanting. When sowing sunflower, 8-10 kg of seeds
are consumed per hectare. There are a few extra steps you need to take to
get a full and healthy sprout. That is, after the rain, the lid breaks with a
light rake. In some areas, where full germination has not yet been
achieved, with a lack of moisture per hectare, 500-600 m3 of water is
applied.
When 1-2 true leaves are formed from the ground after sunflower
sprouting, it is necessary to pull out without delay for normal plant
growth (figure 7).
Normally growing healthy plant roots should be left in the field
while pulling. Delays in pulling or over-planting can lead to poor plant
development, lack of nutrients and light, thinner branches, poor yields
and poor quality. As a result of measures for pulling at 50-60 thousand
root crops per hectare, this gives 25-30 centners of high yield per
hectare. As with other crops, this is one of the most important tasks when
sowing sunflower seeds at the same frequency. Violation of the uniform
size of sunflower roots in the field leads to the formation of baskets of
different sizes and their ripening at different times, and this reduces the
quality of the crop.

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 Figure 7. The growing seeds of the sunflower

One of the main factors to consider when growing sunflower is row

spacing. It depends on the rules of agro technical measures, the care
taken and the density of sunflower roots per hectare. The optimal row
width is considered from 45 centimeters to 60 centimeters. To obtain
high-quality seeds from sunflower when growing, its area per hectare
should not exceed 20,000 root crops.

Figure 8. Inter-row processing of

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 Inter-row processing. The purpose of inter-row cultivation is to
maintain the softness of the soil, reduce moisture loss, prevent salt
accumulation, destroy weeds and create favorable conditions for good
plant growth and yield up to 10% yield in addition. Therefore,
intermittent treatment should be started immediately after germination.
The first inter-row cultivation is carried out at a depth of 8-10 cm, the
second 12-14 cm. The width of the protective zone should also be 10-12
centimeters. For the entire development period, 3-4 rows of treatments
are carried out (figure 8).
Inter-row treatments should be carried out after each reclamation.
Inter-row cultivation should be carried out without delay and without
hardening of the soil in its depths. Delaying this work can degrade
processing quality, increase moisture loss, create unfavorable water and
air conditions, and result in lower yields. Inter-row cultivation after
reclamation reduces the evaporation of this growth water, ensures its
efficient consumption by plants.
Application of mineral fertilizers during the growth period.
Timely and full-fledged feeding of sunflowers during the growing season
has a positive effect on their rapid growth and early harvest. Top
dressing with urea at the rate of 150 kg per hectare at the beginning of
the cultivation of this crop has a beneficial effect on their growth. The
sunflower is fed by consuming 200-250 kg of ammonium nitrate per
hectare at the beginning of the formation of the second basket. It also has
a positive effect on yield if, during the second feeding apply 50-60 kg of
potassium chloride per hectare.
Watering during the growing season. Effective use of water in the
harvest is important. With the consumption of the first growth water of
800 m3 of water per hectare, the acclimatization of the 40-45 cm soil
layer takes place. The term for this work is from May 20 to June 15.
Subsequent growth water is captured by consuming 900-1000 m3 of
water per hectare. It is recommended to provide a total of 2-3 waters for
development in the western part of Dashoguz region and 5-6 waters for
development in other areas (Figure 9).

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 Figure 9. The watering of sunflowers

Sunflower requires a large amount of water from the moment of

basket formation until the moment of flowering. During this period, the
southern regions of the country should be watered for 13-14 days, and in
the northern ones - 15-16 days, while a layer of soil 80-100 cm thick
should be well watered. During the harvest season, their water demand
decreases slightly. During this period, it is enough to water for 18-20
days, while the moist soil layer should be 60-70 centimeters. Water is
often held when sowing in summer, and then the distance between them
increases.

SUNFLOWER DISEASES

(Erysiphe cichoracearum), yalan ak dushme (peronosporosis,

Plasmopara helianthi Novot). False leprosy (Diseases such as
phomosis), verticillium dahlia (Verticillium dahlia Kleb.) common
larvae (SelerotiumbataticolaTaub.), Phomopsis (Fhomopsishelianthi),
they cause great damage to its quality.
Sunflower with false leprosy. Plasmopara helianthi Novot,
belonging to the Phycomycetes class, to the Peronosporales group, is a
disease of the western hemisphere. This is a common disease. At the age
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of the mycelium, the fungus, through the plant larvae, infects the cells of
healthy plants and causes serious pathological disorders in the tissues.
Light green, yellow, whitish spots appear in the veins on the lower leaves
of a diseased plant (especially in young plants) (figure 10, 1). A white
fungus film of the same color forms at the bottom of the leaves (figure
10, 2). During the flowering period of the sunflower, the symptoms of
the disease appear on the upper leaves. Both sides are covered with a
white foil. The branches of a diseased plant grow slowly. Therefore, the
distance between the leaves is small. Conidia-carriers of the fungus are
branched, colorless, rounded, and elongated (Fig. 10, 3 and 4). Affected
plants have an average yield loss of 80-90 percent, depending on the
severity of the disease. The quality of the product decreases. Symptoms
of the disease of the 1st leaf; 2-mold formed on the underside of the
sheet; 3-mushroom conidia.

Figure 10. Sunflower with false leprosy

1-featers of diseases on leaves; 2-the thin curtain formed by the
underside of the leaf; 3,4-fungal conidia

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 Observations show that the symptoms of false leprosy found in the
sun are fourfold. In the first case, the infected sunflower does not grow,
the testicles become thick, cannot fully grow and mature. Leaves, in
particular, turn yellow, turn white, and the underside is completely
covered with white matter (spores). The white matter is found both in the
root collar and in the roots of the sunflower. Sick plants usually dry out,
and those that do not dry out, form small baskets 1-3 centimeters in size.
The second type of diseased plants remains from development. Their
twigs thicken, and the leaves are shortened. The leaves are large and
wobble in one place. At the top of the leaves are spots that form a yellow
pepper, and at the bottom are white spores of the fungus. Spores also
appear on stems and roots. The baskets are small and stand upright.
When the seeds germinate, the first and second forms of the disease
occur as a result of the transfer of pathogens present in the soil.
The third and fourth types of symptoms in plants infected with false
positives result from the spread of spores from infected plants of the first
and second forms to infection in the last days of the growing season. The
diseased plant usually grows normally; large yellow spots covered with
veins appear on its leaves. White spores under the spots. In the fourth
form of the disease, its symptoms are secret (closed) and outwardly do
not differ from healthy plants. Fungus spores form at the roots and at the
root collar and do not pass into the upper testes.
The main source of the disease is spores that have been living in soil
residues (leaves, branches) of plants for 5-6 years. The massive
appearance of the disease is facilitated by high humidity and maintaining
the temperature at 17-18 degrees.
Septoria disease. It is created by Septoria helianthi Ell. Et Kell
Fungi. The first symptoms of the disease appear as dark brown spots on
the leaves of newly sprouted boats (Fig. 11, 1). As the plant grows, the
disease intensifies and the spots spread to all true leaves. There are along
the edges of some spots of yellowish-brownish color in a wide cache.
The number of spots increases at the ends of leaves that merge with each
other (Fig. 11, 2 and 3). In rainy, humid weather, all areas of the spots
are perforated. The spores of the fungus are leaf-shaped, brown, and
consist of 3-6 parts (Fig 11, 4). This leads to a decrease in quality and

22
yield by 25-30 percent. The source of the disease is soil residues of
plants (leaves, stems).

Figure 11. Septorioz keseli bilen kesellän günebakar

1- gögeren gämiklerdäki keseliň ilkinji alamatlary; 2 we 3-
ýapraklardaky keseliň alamatlary; 4 - Septoria helianthi Ell. et Kell.
kömeleginiň sporalary

Gray and white rot of sunflower occurs en masse throughout its

development, which leads to the destruction of all root and surface
organs, rotting of baskets and seeds in it (figure 12, 1 and 2). The source
of these diseases is the seeds obtained from diseased plants and their soil
residues (leaves, stems, parts of the basket).
Diseases are the planting of disease-resistant varieties and healthy
seeds. In the area where the disease has arisen, it is necessary to carry out
a crop rotation, remove crop residues in the area where sowing will take
place, and plow the land to a depth of 30-35 centimeters. Sowing seeds
should be treated with fungicides (scarlet or apron). To prevent the
disease (before the onset of symptoms of the disease) 0.6 kg of ash of the

23
thanos fungicide (famoxadon + simoxanil) per hectare must be mixed
with 400 liters of water and sprinkled with 4-6 sunflower leaves. The
method must be repeated when the sunflower is in bloom or when
symptoms of the disease begin to appear. In case of false leakage,
phimosis and septoria, it is necessary to mix 1 liter of amistar extract per
hectare with 300 liters of water and spray the plant.

1 2
Figure 12. 1 – Sunburn gray rot; 2 – Sunflower white rot

Yokanchgul An especially dangerous sunflower fungus is

considered an infectious one (snake bite, melon flower,
Orobanehegumana Wallr.,Barazikha). It is even more dangerous when
the infection occurs on young plants. This glorious owner feeds on the
sap and water of the plant and lives only on them, and the owner leads to
the complete drying of the plant. Each of the flowers grows buds of up to
1500 seeds (fig. 13, c). The seeds fly in the wind, fall into the soil, move
to healthy roots and cause disease.
Control measures. It is necessary to regularly carry out
comprehensive and coordinated anti-infectious measures. In places
where infection has occurred, given its particular danger, they must be
collected and destroyed by incineration. Use one of the glyphosate
herbicides that are used against perennials and annuals, and rotate
vigorously. It is not recommended to replant the sunflower in the area
where the infection has occurred.

24
 Figure 13. Ýokançgül and its trials.
1-sunflower stick; 2-sunflower root; 3-ýokançgul’s branches;
4-ýokançgul’s flower 5-seeds

SUNFLOWER PESTS

In the sun, pests such as sunflower light (Homoeosoma nebulellum

Schiff.), Wild beetle larvae (Agriotes sputator L., Atbous niger L.,),
sunflower aphids (Brachyunguis plotnikovi Nevs.) are more common,
they lead to non-yield. In particular, sunflower is considered a
particularly dangerous pest. That is, it begins to fly when the sunflower
begins to bloom and lays its eggs in baskets. Young larvae hatching from
eggs first gnaw and eat flowers and its leaves, and after three years -
seeds. In the basket, they make a series of holes and paths that are filled
with dirty, worm-like excrement. Causes complete damage to the seeds
in the basket (Figure 14, 1 and 2).

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 Figure 14.
1- Butterfly, puppy and worm of the sunflower pest-and the seeds with its
damaged basket (2)

Sunflower seeds should be carried throughout the year. Correct agro

technical measures, removal of crop residues from arable land, reduction
of their number or, to some extent, their elimination. It used insect of
trichogram against butterfly insects, gabrobraco against worms, and a
golden eyeball against juices. There are many types of insecticides used
against pests, so they can be selected and sprayed according to the
direction of use. Supported for juveniles, lice, sunflower (acetamiprid),
jetsis (deltamethrin), arsenic (chloropriphos + deltamethrin), karate
(lamda-sigalotrin), vertimek (abamectin), butterflies (benedoxatinox),
indoxaria (indoxaria), indoxaria should be sprayed alternately with one
of the insecticides. The set rate of sprayed insecticide per hectare is
added to 300 liters of water and the working solution is prepared and
used on the same day. It is repeated the fight if necessary.

Sunflower harvesting

Timely harvesting of the harvested crop without losses is the most

important task. Ripe baskets are harvested with combines, and in small
areas - by hand. For harvesting with combines, sunflower in the field
contains glyphosinic acid (3.0 liters per hectare), Extra sprout (1.8 liters
per hectare), reglon Super (2.0 liters per hectare), glyphosate (5.0 liters
26
per hectare) or dehydrated with one of the daphos herbicides (6.0 liters
per hectare). Drainage should be carried out by spraying 300 l (50-100 l)
of the working solution per hectare with moisture content of not more
than 30% when the color of the baskets changes 10-15 days before
harvest. When determining the harvest time of a sunflower by hand, it
should be borne in mind that the accumulation of oil in its seeds
continues until it is completely cooked. The time when the basket turns
yellow or gray by 90%, and the dryness and moisture of the seeds is 12-
14%, is considered the time of the beginning of harvest.
After collection, the dried baskets are broken up and harvested in a
combine. The moisture content of the cleaned seeds should not exceed
12%, and of oilseeds - 7%.

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 Table 1
Rules and terms for carrying out agro technical measures for early and intermediate
cultivation of sunflower

The timing
When sowing
T/b Agro technical measures Norm When planting
after winter
in spring
wheat
1 2 3 4 5
1 Land reclamation, before 600 m3/ga 20.10-20.11 5-20.06
plowing
2 Fight against perennial Recommended herbicides 10-30.10 15-20 days
weed are prescribed before sowing
3 Fertilization before plowingManure - 20-40 t/ha 1 time 25.10-01.12 10-25.06
in 3 years. Superphosphate –
400 kg/ha Potassium
chloride – 100 kg/ha
4 Plowing 30-32 cm deep 01.11-05.12 10-25.06
5 Align Transverse section 15.12-05.02 10-26.06
6 Preparation of land for Inter-row: 70 cm: 18-20 cm, 20.12-10.02 11-27.06
leaching and diversion of 90 cm: 23-25 cm. The size
main waters (excavation of of the beds: on light soils:
temporary dams, ridge, 0.15-0.25 ha medium, on
split into ditches) heavy soils: 0.25-0.35 ha

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 Continue of table 1

1 2 3 4 5
7 Combination of rinsing and 900-1200 m3/ga 01.03-15.04 12-28-06
main water (in saline areas)
8 Presowing treatment: - with In light soil 12-14 cm in 05.03-15.04 15.06-05.07
temporary ditches, cutting, light soil; 14-16 cm on
chisels, rakes + harrow on medium to heavy soils if not
level areas; - fertilize provided earlier
Superphosphate – 400 kg/ha
Potassium chloride – 00
kg/ha
9 Seed treatment According to the rules 10.03-20.04 20.06-05.07
established by the
recommended fungicides
10 Sowing 6-8 cm deep, 8-10 kg / ha 10.03-20.04 20.06-05.07
11 Vocational work (breaking Rotating rake with soften 15.03-30.04 20.06-05.07
the lid, supplying wet 700-800 m3/ha
water)
12 Conduct 1st inter-row 8-10 cm 05.04-10.05 01-15.07
development
13 Conduct 2nd inter-row 12-14 cm 20.04-30.05 10-25.07
development

29
 Continue of table 1

1 2 3 4 5
14 Pull out the irrigation Row spacing 70 cm: 18-20 15.05-10.06 15-30.07
furrows and apply nitrogen cm,90 cm: 23-25 cm; Urea -
fertilizer for the first time. 150 kg/ha
15 1st irrigation works 700-800 m3/ha 20.05-15.06 15.07-01.08
16 Carrying out processing of 12-14 cm 25.05-20.06 20.07-05.08
the 3 rd row
17 Pulling cages and applying 12-14 cm, Ammonia nitrate 10.06-30.06 01-20.08
nitrogen fertilizers a second 200-250 kg/ha
time
18 2nd growing water 700-800 m3 / ha 10.06-05.07 01-25.08
19 Make room When the need arises 10.04-10.08 01.07-15.09
3
20 3rd water for growing 700-800 m /ha 01-20.07 15.08-10.09
3
21 4th water for growing 700-800 m /ha 20.07-10.08 01-30.09
3
22 5th growing water 700-800 m /ha 05-25.08 20.09-10.10
23 Carrying out measures Recommended chemicals are 10.03-30.08 20.06-10.10
against pests, diseases and within specified times and
weeds limits
24 Harvesting Combine or manually 20.08-10.09 15-25.10
Note: Recommended agro technical terms and rules may vary depending on the weather of each
agricultural year, depending on the growing conditions of the plants or the time of the appearance of the
pests and the type of new pesticides.

30
 CONTENT

Introduction ................................................................................................4
Biological features of sunflower ................................................................5
Sunflower varieties ....................................................................................8
Groups of sunflower varieties by ripeness .................................................9
Characteristics of sunflower hybrids .......................................................12
Tested varieties and hybrids of sunflower in Turkmenistan ...................12
Sunflower cultivation ...............................................................................13
Sunflower diseases ...................................................................................20
Sunflower pests ........................................................................................25
Sunflower harvesting ...............................................................................26

31
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION OF TURKMENISTAN

TURKMEN AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION

CENTER

MANUAL ON THE CULTIVATION OF

SUNFLOWER

[Link], [Link], [Link], [Link]

Managing editor A. Yollybayev

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