Prospects of sunflower growing and the influence of plant density on productivity

Prospects for sunflower cultivation in different regions of the country are described. Based on the studied literature, it is concluded that among all crops, the sown area of sunflower in Ukraine is one of the largest and ranks second after wheat. Over the past five years, sunflower cultivation has expanded by a quarter, with record production expected. In recent years, the crop is perhaps the most profitable in the field of crop production. In economic terms, sunflower is not inferior to crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans and is one of the most popular oilseeds not only in Ukraine. Simple cultivation technology and high profitability, growing demand for seeds and sunflower oil, oilcake, both in domestic and world markets, leads to increase of sown areas and crop yields. It is established that stable yields of sunflower can be obtained by introducing highly efficient varieties and hybrids and intensive cultivation technology, which would maximize the realization of its potential productivity. In terms of seed yield, sunflower hybrids are 20-30%, and in terms of oil content – 15-20% more effective than best zoned varieties. It is possible to increase the production of commercial sunflower seeds in Ukraine without expanding the sown area by creating and implementing more productive hybrids with certain economically valuable features that combine high yield stability with product quality, and by adapting new hybrids and parent forms to the relevant weather conditions, which will increase yields above 4 t/ha. Currently, there is a wide selection of varieties and hybrids of sunflower for growers. Over the past few years, the Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine includes more than 200 hybrids of domestic and foreign selection. This contributes to the expansion of the area of sunflower cultivation in all soil and climatic zones of Ukraine, thus creating an efficient hybrid conveyor. There has been a rapid increase in the area under sunflower in the western part of the country, where soil and climatic conditions contribute to its unimpeded cultivation. The results of research conducted in different regions of the country on the effectiveness of the elements of cultivation technology on the productivity of sunflower hybrids are presented.