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May 19, 2005 NDSU Agronomist Offers Sunflower Planting Suggestions Sunflower planting should get in full swing in the next few weeks. The best planting dates in North Dakota usually are May 15 to May 31, says Duane Berglund, North Dakota State University Extension Service agronomist. Sunflower plants will compensate for differences in plant population by adjusting seed and head size. As plant populations decrease, seed and head size increase. Oilseed hybrids generally are planted at higher populations than confection varieties because the size of the harvested seed is less important. “Plant populations for conventional oilseed and Nusun oilseed sunflower should be between 18,000 and 25,000 plants per acre, with adjustments made for soil type, rainfall potential and yield goal,” Berglund says. “Producers who solid seed or plant narrow rows should plant 22,000 to 28,000 seeds per acre.” Lower populations are recommended for soils with lower water-holding capacity and if normal rainfall is inconsistent or inadequate. Confection sunflowers should be planted for populations between 14,000 and 20,000 plants per acre. Preharvest dry-down is more rapid in higher plant populations because of the smaller head size. However, higher plant populations may result in increased lodging and stalk breakage. “Proper planting equipment adjustment and operation are among the most important management tasks in sunflower production,” Berglund says. “Plateless and air planters have been used effectively to get good seed distribution. Double seed drops should be avoided and planter adjustments should be made.” Berglund notes that conventional plate planters will provide good seed distribution if using correct planter plates, properly sized seed and proper seed knockers. Commercial seed companies have plate recommendations for all seed sizes. Grain drills and air seeders may be used for seeding, but a uniform depth of planting and seed spacing may be a problem unless proper adjustments and modifications are made. ### Source:
Duane R. Berglund, (701) 231-8135, duane.berglund@ndsu.nodak.edu |
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