FLOWER BUD STAGE

• Trace-elements (boron, etc.): 80% of needs are between the 5 pairs of leaves and flower bud stages. The contribution makes it possible to increase yield by up to 10 quintals and to increase oil content by 5 points.
• Nitrogen fertilization: sunflower does not require much nitrogen. It is therefore possible not to use it in deep soils in the absence of winter leaching. In other situations, 60 units are sufficient to cover the needs of the crop, 80 units in cases of high potential and in soils with low mineralisation.

Nitrogen requirements are between the 5 pairs of leaves stage and the start of flowering:

- Applying it too early (before 8 leaves) causes excessive vegetative development, which is unfavorable in water stress situations and can accentuate the development of phomopsis.

-  Applying too much can lead to a drop in oil content, a risk of lodging and an increase in diseases (sclerotinia, botrytis, etc.).

- Nitrogen fertilisation has no effect on oleic acid content.

• Fungicide control: it is possible to plan fungicide treatments to protect the crop against certain diseases (phomopsis, phoma, etc.).

For more information, download our sunflower brochure: click here