Determination of plant conservation problems faced in oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production in Sivas province

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine crisis, there were difficulties in the supply of sunflower oil, and as a result, various incentives were introduced in our country to increase sunflower production. Consequently, sunflower production has increased in the Sivas province. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying plant protection problems encountered in oilseed sunflower production in Sivas province. A total of 88 producers in Sivas province (including the districts of Merkez, Zara, Hafik, and Yıldızeli) were interviewed, and survey forms were completed. The survey data covers the 2022 production season. According to the survey results, producers face various plant protection problems related to diseases, pests, and weeds. Producers have reported problems in sunflower fields, especially with factors such as sunflower wilting (26.14%), sunflower rust (9.09%), birds (30.68%), wild boars (25%), field bindweed (75%), and wild mustard (67.05%). Producers mentioned that they use chemical and cultural methods and adjust the type and dosage of pesticides based on the advice of agricultural pesticide suppliers. Additionally, producers expressed uncertainty about prices as one of the main challenges they face. Furthermore, the study revealed that the region's producers, included in the study, obtained a yield of 106.03 kg, falling behind the national sunflower yield average. In this regard, organizing training sessions by agricultural organizations on both cultivation practices and plant protection factors and measures would be highly beneficial for producers to achieve more efficient production.