INFLUENCE OF BIOSTIMULATORS ON GERMINATION PARAMETERS AND EARLY GROWTH OF SUNFLOWER SEEDLING

The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of biostimulators, with or without the use of fungicides, on seed quality parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. Testing was conducted at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad on cytoplasmic male sterile sunflower line HA-26-PR. The experiment included six treatments: Slavol S (25%), Slavol S (25%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Bioplant Flora (2%), Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a. m. metalaxyl-M) and control. Results of the research showed that treating the seed with biostimulators prior to sowing has a significant influence on seed germination parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without the use of fungicide, gave a positive effect, while their combination led to a negative effect. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without combination with fungicide, may increase germination energy by 5%, germinability by 6%, but may also reduce the time of seed germination. Likewise, their use has a positive effect on early growth of sunflower seedling.