Desiccation in sunflower hybrid seed production

Abstract

Desiccation has been used for a long time in agriculture. It is especially important in cold climate since spring crops are very often not ready for harvesting before late autumn, when harvesting condition are difficult. Desiccation is important in seed production since not only high yield but also good seed qualities have been required. Sunflower hybrid seed production has been particularly facilitated due to specific plant pathology during ripening. By means of desiccation spreading of seed has been reduced, attack of different head parasites has been avoided, harvesting is easier and additional drying is not required. Negative effects of early frosts on germination could be avoided too. Desiccation is to be performed when seed moisture reach 40%, depending on genotypes. Tractor sprayers and atomizers could be used, even airplanes and helicopters if necessary. The best results have been obtained with Reglone forte (2 l/ha with 300-400 liter of water). Timely performed desiccation has no negative effects on yield, 1000 seed weight, germination, energy of germination, oil and protein content and the husk percentage. .

Desikacija je agrotehnička mera koja je u poljoprivrednoj praksi prisutna duži niz godina. Ova mera posebno dolazi do izražaja u hladnijem klimatu jer proletnji usevi često dospevaju za žetvu u poznu jesen kada su uslovi za ubiranje otežani. Desikacija je prisutna u svim regionima sa intenzivnom poljoprivrednom proizvodnjom koja podrazumeva mehanizovano ubiranje useva. Prednosti ove mere posebno su prisutne kod semenskih useva gde se pored prinosa insistira i na visokim semenskim kvalitetima. Proizvodnja suncokreta, kulture sa specifičnom patologijom u periodu dozrevanja, značajno je olakšana uvođenjem desikacije. .