Sunflower (48-53% oil but 35-43% in India)
• Sunflower is the 3rd most important oilseed crops to soybean and groundnut, in the world. It was introduced into India in 1969 as an oilseed crop. Its oil is the premium due to high level of unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid (90% of the total) absence of linolenic acid, light colour, bland flavor & high smoke point.
• Russian Federation is the largest producer of sunflower in the world. In our country Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are the major producer of sunflower.
• Spraying of borax (0.2% ie, 2g/1 of water) directly to capitulum at ray-floret opening stage increases seed filling, yield and oil content.
• Critical stages for irrigation:
• I) Bud initiation (35-40 DAS)
• ii) Flower opening (55-65 DAS)
• iii) Seed Filling (65-80 DAS)
• High temp above 38°C during post-anthesis period reduces seed yield and oil content. (Anthesis: means the first opening of a flower in the process of flowering)
• Insecticidal spray during flowering period is harmful because it affects the visit of honeybees. The visit of honeybees is essential for pollination.
• Birds (particularly parrots), rats & squirrels cause damage to sunflower when it is raised in isolated and stray-pockets.
• It may be harvested at physiological maturity when back of the head turns to lemon yellow colour and bottom leaves start drying & withering.
• Seeds should be dried well to the moisture content at 9-10% before storage
Oilcakes and protein %:
1 Sunflower: 40-44%
2. Safflower: 40-55%
3. Linseed cake:36% (most favorite cattle feed)
4. Sesame cake 37-38%-6-6.2%N
5. Ground nut:45-48%-7-8%N
6 Cotton 43% 6.9%N
7. Tobacco :30-35% crude
