Climate change means that agriculture faces rising temperatures and increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather events, such as droughts, intense cold spells and heavy rains. One of the levers for adapting is to diversify crop rotation and choose suitable plant species. Sunflowers are a good option due to their moderate water requirements and their behavior under water deficit stress. If an episode of moderate drought does occur during the vegetative phase (i.e. before flowering), the sunflower crop becomes more resilient, enabling it to better tolerate water deficit stress and make the most of rainfall at the end of the cycle.
The stages in the technical itinerary for sunflowers
Sowing: plant with care and make the right choices
Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil structure to a depth of 20–30 cm to create a clean seedbed. This deep tillage will help in the following ways:
- Encourage the growth of a deep taproot to enhance the nutrient and water intake of the plant;
- Optimize seed positioning and foliage growth to provide ground cover, and thus seedling emergence.
Choice of seed varieties, sowing dates, and sowing densities is equally important for adapting to evolving climate conditions.
Combating pests and diseases
As soon as the crop is sown, and even during intercropping, pay close attention to weeds. We recommend mechanical weed control, followed by herbicides if necessary, depending on the level of risk and the flora. It is also important to protect plots against wireworms and slugs, and to anticipate damage from birds and wildlife.
The primary approach to managing diseases such as downy mildew, white rust and verticillium wilt is through agronomic measures and careful selection of seed varieties. Some of these diseases can be treated with chemical intervention.
Applying the right dose of fertilizer
As with all field crops, it is essential to use nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers responsibly. Pay particular attention to the input of two trace elements – boron and molybdenum – depending on the situation in the plot.
Managing abiotic stress
With increasing unpredictable weather conditions, crops are likely to be more exposed to abiotic stressors, such as water scarcity, excess water, extreme heat and cold, and salt stress. Sunflowers generally handle these conditions well. In the case of water deficit stress, if irrigation is required, only small quantities of water are needed, and one to three irrigation rounds are sufficient.
Elicit Plant also proposes new-generation biosolutions that help crops cope with abiotic stress and have a positive plant health effect. One of Elicit Plant’s products is specifically designed for sunflower growers: EliSun-a, based on phytosterols. It helps the crop to better resist water deficit stress, offering yield gains as a result. Applied during the 8–10 leaves stage as a preventive measure, EliSun-a seamlessly integrates into the crop’s technical itinerary, regardless of the cultivated variety.
