Sunflower is a vital oilseed crop in India, particularly in southern states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Out of these states, Karnataka has been the leading producer of sunflowers for decades. In further support, the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru also came up with a new hybrid named KBSH-78 in 2018. The hybrid was developed by crossing CMS-1103A and RHA-92 and is particularly suggested for Zone 5 of Karnataka, where districts such as Chamarajanagara experience water shortage and are predominantly rainfed.
KBSH-78: Best Agro-Climatic Conditions & Soil Requirements
KBSH-78 does well in cases of moderate rain and on soils that are well-drained, loamy or sandy loam. It is able to withstand dry conditions to a certain level, so it can be grown in places where irrigation is limited. The hybrid does not require excessive water, which is ideal for rainfed areas, particularly in the Kharif (monsoon) and Rabi (post-monsoon) seasons.
Ideal Sowing Time & Seed Preparation
For best results, sowing needs to be at the beginning of the monsoon for the Kharif season, and in late October or early November for the Rabi season. Seed treatment is crucial. The seeds need to be treated with biofertilizers and fungicides for protection against soil-borne infection. KBSH-78 is easily responsive to seed hardening, where seeds are soaked in water or nutrient solution and dried before sowing. This aids the plant in germinating even in conditions of low moisture.
Recommended Cultivation Practices
The seed rate of this hybrid is about 5-6 kg per hectare. A spacing of 60 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants should be maintained by farmers to provide adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration. Line sowing, preferably by seed drill or marker, is preferable to broadcasting because it provides uniform spacing and ease of intercultural operations.
Balanced nutrient management is the key to high yields. KBSH-78 responds well when the fertilizers are applied as recommended by the soil test. Farmers, in general, need to use nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in balanced proportions, along with micronutrients such as zinc sulphate and borax, which many farmers neglect.
Deficiency of these micronutrients has been one of the causes of low yields in rainfed areas such as Chamarajanagara. Farmers could achieve an average yield of 996 kg per hectare, compared to just 297 kg per hectare under traditional practices. This means a 235% increase in productivity. Not only did yields improve, but the benefit-cost ratio also jumped to 1.41, making it a profitable crop for small landholders.
Pest and Disease Management
Sunflowers are vulnerable to pests like capitulum borers and leaf-eating caterpillars. Diseases such as alternaria leaf spot and powdery mildew can affect the crop if not monitored. Farmers should regularly inspect their crops and use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques like neem-based sprays, biological controls, and need-based chemical sprays.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Tips
KBSH-78 is ready for harvest within 82 to 85 days after sowing. Harvesting should be done when the back of the sunflower head turns yellow and the seeds become hard and black with white stripes. Delay in harvesting may lead to seed shattering or loss due to bird damage. After harvest, the heads should be dried properly before threshing to avoid fungal infection. Clean and dry seeds should be stored in air-tight containers to preserve quality and prevent spoilage.
In addition to being a high-yielding hybrid, KBSH-78 helps farmers in arid regions improve their standard of living. It is a reliable option because of its high oil content, short crop duration, and capacity to grow effectively with little irrigation. Adopting the entire set of procedures, from seed treatment to timely harvesting, is crucial for success. Sunflower production utilizing KBSH-78 can help close the yield gap and raise the income of thousands of farmers in southern Karnataka if they receive the right training and have access to high-quality seeds.
