engleski

Status and perspectives of sunflower growing in Croatia

In general, agroecological conditions for sunflower growing in Croatia is favorable for sunflower growing, especially in the Eastern Croatia. However, high variation of sunflower harvested area and yields among years were found. For example, in the period of 1980-1989, sunflower harvested area ranged from 7,006 ha to 29,076 ha and grain yields from 1,85 to 2,65 t/ha. Attac of Diaporthe/Phomopsis helianthy was main reason for decreases of yields and sunflower sowing area, especially at the beginning of 1980ies. However, by creating of tolerant hybrids, this problem is recently minimazed. Also, weather conditions during growing season are important factor of sunflower yields and their quality. Sunflower growing in Croatia is situated mainly in the Eastern Croatia, especially in the Vukovarsko-srijemska and Osječko-baranjska counties (near 80% of total sunflower harvested area). Grain yields of sunflower are in close connection with rainfall quantity and their distribution (Krizmanić et al. 1988). In general, low yields are in connection with rainfall excess at maturity stage (the higher incidences of lodging and Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and other patogens). However, by growing of more tolerant sunflower hybrids (for example new sunflower hybrids of Osijek Agricultural Institute:Fakir, Orion, Olio, Podravac and Sunce) it is possible to stabilize sunflower yields among years. Also, these hybrids are high-yielding (yield capacity between 4.5 and 5.0 t/ha) and of high oil contents (between 45 and 50%) under normal environmental conditions. As sunflower is attaced by about 25 different patogens, application of crop protection measures at early growth stages is needed. Under our environmental conditions it is needed one or two fungicide applications. Sunflower is a perspective crop in Croatia with aspect of our need both for oil in human diet and for using of by-products in cattle nutrition (for example, chrushed seed or cake). These needs is possible to cover by growing about 45,000 ha or three fold more than actual status of sunflower growing area. Also, improvement of crop rotation on our arable land is possible by increase of sunflower growing.

sunflower; hybrid; production; grain yield; diseases; oil content in seed

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