Evaluation of Different Production Systems in Combination with Foliar Sulphur Application for Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Arid Climatic Conditions of Pakistan

Sunflower is a new emerging oilseed crop in Pakistan. Its oil is recommended for use across the globe including Pakistan. Due to lower production of indigenous edible oil, a huge quantity is imported which has a negative effect on the economy. To reduce the import expenses and meet country’s demand, there is a need to increase area under oilseed crops without disturbing the cropping systems. Climate variability is another emerging threat for current production and cropping systems especially in south regions of Pakistan having high arid climatic conditions. A study was conducted in South Punjab (30°1575 N, 71°5249 E) to evaluate the performance of sunflower production systems (nursery transplanted and direct seeded) and sulphur foliar spray (0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm) on sunflower in a randomized complete block, with split plots arrangement. Results revealed that tallest plant (175 cm) with maximum number of leaves (32.7) recorded with the application of foliar sulphur spray (150 ppm). Similarly, sunflower produced maximum head diameter (18.0 cm), number of achenes per head (1510), 1000-achene weight (55.7 g) resulted in higher achene yield (2225 kg ha^-1) including oil contents (38.7%) with foliar sulphur spray of 150 ppm. The nursery transplanted production system, however, produced the highest number of achenes per head (1466), head diameter (17.4 cm), 1000-achene weight (54.4 g), achene yield (2305 kg ha^-1), biological yield (9183 kg ha^-1) and oil contents (37.4%) in comparison to direct seeded sunflower. Interaction of sunflower production systems and foliar sulphur levels indicated that nursery transplanted sunflower produced highest number of achenes per head (1567), head diameter (18.3 cm), 1000-achene weight (57.6 g), achene yield (2495 kg ha^-1) and biological yield (9454 kg ha^-1) in comparison to direct seeded sunflower with foliar sulphur spray of 150 ppm. The nursery transplanted sunflower showed higher net benefits and benefit to cost ratio and 16 days early maturity than direct seeded sunflower, which ultimately provide optimum time for cotton crop sowing in cotton-sunflower cropping system. It is concluded that sunflower has to be shifted through nursery transplanted production system in field to achieve the highest achene yield with achene oil content which also ensures timely sowing of cotton crop for effective use of field under cotton-sunflower cropping system.