Sunflower is an important oilseed crop, botanically known as Helianthus annuus. This crop is primarily cultivated for its seeds, from which oil is extracted. Sunflower flowers are quite popular due to their beauty and versatile uses. One of the major advantages of cultivating sunflowers is that they yield well across various climates and soil conditions.

Climate / Temperature: The crop can be grown in a variety of climates. It thrives best in warm temperatures and requires full sunlight. Avoid areas with heavy rainfall or frequent waterlogging.

Water Demand:

This crop needs moderate water, with irrigation required during key stages of growth, especially at the time of flowering and seed development.

Soil: The crop can grow in a variety of soils, from sandy loam to black soil. It performs well in fertile, well-drained soils. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils, but avoid acidic and waterlogged conditions. The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 8.

Major Varieties:

1. Jwalamukhi: A medium-sized variety with an average height of 170 cm, matures in 120 days, yielding 7.3 quintals per acre, with 42% oil content.
2. GKSFH 2002: A hybrid variety with a height of 165 cm, matures in 115 days, and yields 7.5 quintals per acre, containing 42.5% oil.
3. PSH 2080: A short-duration hybrid with an average height of 151 cm, yields 9.8 quintals per acre, and matures in 97 days with 43.7% oil content.

Additional varieties: PSH 1962, DK 3849, PSH 996, PSH 569.

Sowing of Crops:

Sow by the end of January for better yields. In case of February sowing, use nursery transplantation to avoid pest attacks. The recommended seed rate is 2-3 kg per acre, with a seed depth of 4-5 cm.

Suitable Time of Sowing: The ideal sowing time is late January. For delayed sowing in February, use seedling transplantation methods.

Field Preparation: Prepare the field by plowing 2-3 times, followed by levelling. For better yields, complete sowing by the end of January. For late sowing, adopt the nursery method to avoid reduced yields.

Crop Cycle: Crop rotation commonly practiced in Punjab includes combinations like rice/maize-potato-sunflower or sugarcane-sunflower.

Water Management: The crop requires 9-10 irrigations, depending on soil type and weather. Critical watering times include when 50% of the flowers bloom and during seed softening. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other diseases.

Weed Management: Weed control is essential during the first 45 days. Carry out the first weeding 2-3 weeks after sowing and the second after 6 weeks. For pre-emergence, apply Pendimethalin at 1 liter in 150-200 liters of water.

Harvesting: Harvest when the leaves dry and the flowers turn yellow. Delaying the harvest can lead to leaf fall and termite infestations.

Diseases & Disease Prevention:

1. Rust: Causes up to 20% yield loss. Control it by spraying Tridemorph (1 g) or Mancozeb (2 g) per liter of water.
2. Root Rot: Plants weaken and show ash-colored spots. To prevent, apply Trichoderma viride 1 kg mixed with compost 30 days after sowing.
3. Stem Rot: Attacks 40 days after sowing. Treat with 2 g of Thiram per kg of seed before sowing.

Ensure regular spraying and field inspections to manage pest attacks and diseases effectively.