Effect of sources and levels of sulphur and spacing on the growth, yield and quality of spring sunflower (Helianthus annuus).

摘要

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 2004 and 2005 at Allahabad to study the effect of 3 spacings (30 cm x 30 cm, 45 cm x 30 cm and 60 cm x 30 cm), 4 sulphur levels (control, 15, 30 and 45 kg S/ha) and 2 sulphur sources (gypsum and elemental sulphur) on the performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The results indicated that growth, yield attributes, yield, oil content and oil yield were found to be significantly higher at a spacing of 45 cm x 30 cm. At 45 cm x 30 cm spacing, seed yield increased by 11.1 and 12.9%; oil content by 6.2 and 6.0%; oil yield by 18.2 and 18.1% over 30 cm x 30 cm spacing during 2004 and 2005, respectively. Significant increase was recorded in growth, yield component, oil content and oil yield with increase in sulphur levels from 0 to 45 kg/ha through gypsum. Application of 45 kg S/ha through gypsum recorded higher growth and yield attributes, oil content and oil yield over control. Higher seed yield (1.31 t/ha), oil yield (0.53 t/ha) and net returns (Rs 7,468/ha) were obtained when the crop was sown at 45 cm x 30 cm spacing; with application of 45 kg S/ha through gypsum for spring sunflower in sandy loam soil of Allahabad.