Sunflower Irrigation

1. Water Management:

   Irrigate immediately after sowing followed by an irrigation on 4 - 5th day and later at intervals of 7 to 8 days according to soil and climatic conditions, seeding, flowering and seed development stage (ie) two weeks before and after flowering.

   NOTE: Do not heap or store the heads before drying properly as mould fungi will develop and spoil the grain quality.
   c. Thresh using a mechanical thresher, or beat with a stick and separate the grains.
   d. Winnow and clean the seeds
   e. Dry the seeds again in the sun for another two days
   f. Store in gunny bags

2. Weed Management:
   • Apply Fluchloralin at 2.0 l/ha before sowing and incorporate or apply as pre-emergence spray on 5 day after sowing followed by irrigation or apply Pendimethalin as pre-emergence spray 3 days after sowing. The spray of these herbicides has to be accomplished with Back Pack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using 900 l water/ha as spray fluid.
   • All the herbicide application is to be followed by one late hand weeding 30 - 35 days after sowing.
   • Hoe and hand weed on the 15th and 30th day of sowing and remove the weeds. Allow the weeds to dry for 2 - 3 days in the case of irrigated and then give irrigation.