PJB-2024-477
OPTIMAL PRODUCTION PROTOCOLS FOR CUT HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.
Hifza Safdar
Abstract
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is extensively cultivated as a specialty cut flower in many parts of the world and is increasingly popular in Asian cut flower markets. Being a relatively new cut flower crop in the region, its production practices ought to be optimized to get the best possible cut stem production. Five production experiments were conducted: 1. planting time, 2. planting method, 3. planting density, 4. macro and micro-nutrients along with biostimulants and 5. varietal evaluation. Tallest plants with highest fresh and dry weight of the stem were noted when planted on 19 May, followed by 3 May. Shortest production time was also recorded for planting on 19 May 19, followed by 3 May. Tallest plants with greatest stem fresh weight, stem dry weight and smallest flower diameter were recorded when plants were grown on ridges, followed by raised beds, while least production time was observed for plants grown on flat beds. Plants transplanted at 15×15 cm were the tallest plants and had the greatest flower quality. Greatest flower diameter and shortest production time were recorded for plants grown on 30×30 cm spacing. The intermediate spacings of 15×22.5 cm, 22.5×22.5 cm, 22.5×30 cm produced intermediate results for most variables. For nutritional study, application of NPK + isabion (0.4%) produced tallest plants with greatest flower diameter and shortest production, followed by NPK + humic acid (0.4%), which also had greatest stem diameter along with NPK alone. Among varieties, ‘Tall Red Sun’ produced the tallest plants followed by ‘Vincent Choice’, while ‘Vincent Choice’ produced stems with the shortest production time and had best quality cut stems. In summary, ‘Vincent Choice sown on 19 May produced best quality stems, while planting on ridges or raised beds with 15×15 cm plant spacing and fertilization with NPK along with isabion proved best for optimal stem length and flower diameter with least production time and may be used for high quality cut sunflower production
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