Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN, cilt.27, sa.8, ss.5685-5693, 2018 (SCI-Expanded)
Sunflower production may be increased by optimization of agricultural application. Sowing date and intra-row spacing are the major production factors contributing to the final yield of crops especially for sunflower. This study was conducted to determine the effects of different intra-row spacing and sowing date on growth, yield, and yield components of non-oilseed sunflowers in Erzurum Province, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, between 2013 and 2017 growing seasons. Three sowing dates were established at about 10-day intervals from late-April to early and mid-May (22 April, 2 May and 12 May 2013 and 2017). Four intra-rows spacing (20, 30, 40 and 50 cm) were used. The results showed significant effects of sowing date and intra-row spacing on the growth, yield, and yield components of non-oil sunflower. The earlier sowing date and narrow spacing between intra-rows of non-oil sunflower had higher seed yield and crop quality than that of wider spacing and later sowing dates. The late sowing date resulted in decreased plant height, head and stem diameter, seed yield and protein content of non-oil sunflower, except the ratio of dehulled/hulled seed weight. Narrow plant spacing (30 cm between rows) gave better seed yield, protein content, plant height and the ratio of dehulled/hulled seed weight of non-oil sunflower compared to wide spacing. Concerning the interaction between intra-row spacing and sowing date, the highest seed yield (6586 kg ha(-1)) and protein content (17.5%) were obtained from 30 cm plant spacing and early sowing date (April 22nd). Early sowing date and 30 cm narrow intra-row spacing, having the highest yield, protein content and agronomic characteristics for non-oil sunflower can be recommended for the similar regions with short growing season and high altitude.