Seed yield and protein content in sunflower depending on stand density

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of stand density on seed yield and protein content in sunflower hybrids. The field experiment was carried out at Rimski Šančevi location. Six NS sunflower hybrids were examined. Five hybrids are confectionery (NS Goliat, NS Slatki, NS Gricko, Vranac and Cepko), and one is used for bird food (NS-H-6485). The trial was arranged as randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Sowing was done with six different densities (from 20,000 to 70,000 plants per hectare, with an increment of 10,000 plants per hectare). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the effect of hybrid, stand density and hybrid × stand density interation were highly significant for seed yield and protein content. The highest seed yield, on the basis of average for all densities, was found in NS-H-6485 (4.77 t ha-1) and in NS Gricko (4.43 t ha-1). Average seed yield of hybrids significantly increased up to 50,000 plants per ha-1, when it reached the value of 4.50 t ha-1, and then decreased. Significantly higher protein content, taking into account all stand densities, showed hybrid Cepko (16.94%). Protein content, above the overall average value, was achieved in hybrid Vranac (16.11%). The high­est protein content in the average for all six hybrids was at the lowest stand density (20,000 plants per ha-1), and then decreased up to higher densities. The results showed that stand density had significant effect on seed yield and protein content in sunflower hybrids. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR31025: The development of new cultivars and improving the technology of producing oil plant species for different purposes]

Keywords

• hybrid
• interaction
• oil content
• seed yield
• stand density
• sunflower