Towards new solutions for the chemical desiccation of sunflower

Abstract

The use of chemical desiccation has largely solved the problems encountered in mechanized sunflower harvesting. In addition to the earlier harvest, the benefits of this measure are the reduction of losses due to the effects of birds and diseases, due to plant lodging and seed dropout. Applying chemical desiccation in seed production results in better seed quality. In many years, desiccant Reglone has been used most widely for these purposes, but its use will no longer be allowed in most European countries. The aim of these studies was to try to find new solutions for the chemical desiccation of sunflower. Two preparations were used, Kabuki 2.5 EC, a. i. pyraflufen-ethyl, (at a dose of 1 l / ha), commonly used as a potato desiccant, and carfentrazone-ethyl, (at a dose of 0.4 l / ha), commonly used against broadleaf weeds and for cotton regrowth desiccation. Six female sunflower lines from the breeding program of the Novi Sad Institute were treated. Depending on the line, the moisture content of the grain was 19-45% at the moment of desiccation. At 7 and 14 days after desiccation, the moisture content of the grain was determined again.