The effects of different planting dates and plant poplulations on the yield, yield components and quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Bursa conditions

This research was conducted in the 2019 production season in order to determine the effects of planting time, plant density and varieties on the yield, yield components and quality of sunflower in Bursa conditions. The research was arranged in a Split-Split-Plot Experimental Design in Randomized Complete Block with three replications. In this trial, planting times (early and late planting) in main plots, three oily sunflower hybrids (LG 5582, P64LL62 and ES Bella) in sub plots and three sowing densities (70 x 20 cm, 70 x 30 cm and 70 x 40 cm) in subsub plots were placed. In the study, measurements and observations were made on yield, yield components and quality characteristics such as plant height, head diameter, stem diameter, thousand seed weight, seed yield, crude oil ratio and crude oil yield. According to the results of the research, early planting provided higher plant height, head diameter, stem diameter, thousand seed weight, seed yield, crude oil ratio and crude oil yield compared to late planting. The seed yield, which was 308 kg/da in late planting, increased to 371 kg/da in early sowing with an increase of 20,3 %. While the oil yield was 153 kg/da in late planting, it increased by 26,6 % in early planting to 193 kg/da. In the study, 20 and 30 cm intra row spacings compared to 40 cm intra row spacing, that is, 71430 plant/ha and 47620 plant/ha plant densities compared to 35710 plant/ha provided increase of 12,2 % in grain yield and 13,6 % in crude oil yield. As a result, in order to obtain high grain and oil yield from sunflower, early sowing (beginning of April) and 70 x 20 cm planting distance (71430 plants/ha plant population) or 70 x 30 cm planting distance (47620 plants/ha plant population) should be recommended in Bursa ecological conditions.