Problems of hybrid sunflower production?

Question

Problems of hybrid sunflower production?

Answer 1

In the US here, sunflower moth and sunflower maggot, as well as stalk borer and any number of sucking insects on the younger plants. There is also brown spot on the leaf which really won't affect the seed production too much, unless of course it becomes so bad that photosynthesis is slowed. And if things get too wet too often you have to deal with powdery mildew. If you are in another country you'll have to check with anyone local to see what issues they have and check the link below.

Answer 2

Selection of adaptable hybrids combined with use of recommended production practices are important factors for profitable sunflower production. Hybrids now are planted on over 99 percent of the USA acreage. Hybrids replaced open-pollinated varieties because of their increased yield, pest resistance, uniformity, stalk quality and self compatibility.

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/row...

Answer 3

Mike might add that these problems are common for all sunflowers.

We sometimes find that big flocks of black birds and jays descend on the sunflowers and leave half the seeds on the ground.

If we have wet fall weather, the heads may start to go moldy before they mature. Other times we have had to combine in mid winter to get the ground frozen and the heads dried without heat.

Discovering that many of the seeds are infested with larvae is the final straw.