Yield and quality characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars with different sowing dates

Abstract

A field trial was initiated to ascertain the optimal sowing date for five distinct sunflower cultivars in Turkey’s Mardin Province. The trial scrutinised various parameters including plant height, head diameter, seed yield, protein content, oil content and oil yield. The first sowing produced the highest seed yields (3484 kg ha−1), with the Şems (3255 kg ha−1) and Zuhat (3157 kg ha−1) cultivars producing the highest values. The highest overall oil content was achieved in the second sowing (31.7%) and in the Zuhat cultivar (34.6%). The highest mean oil yields were observed in the Zuhat cultivar (1096 kg ha−1) and in the first sowing (1084 kg ha−1). There was a general decrease in yield as the sowing date was delayed. Winter sowing is suggested for the Zuhat cultivar. If possible, the second sunflower crop should be sown shortly following the harvest of the main crop.