Agronomic characterization of sunflower cultivars for animal feeding in tropical conditions

ABSTRACT

This study was developed to examine morpho-agronomic traits of 18 sunflower cultivars and identify superior cultivars in terms of grain yield, forage quality, or both, for animal feeding. Twenty-two morpho-agronomic traits related to plant development and architecture; earliness of maturity; grain yield (achenes); dry matter yield; and dry matter content were evaluated. Cultivars Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Embrapa 122, BRS 321, and Hélio 360 showed inflorescence at the final stage. Aguará 4 showed the lowest flowering rate, characterizing it as late-maturing. For grain yield, cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended, as they showed the highest achene yields (average: 1,541.67 to 2,148.81 kg.ha−1, respectively). Cultivars Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL exhibited higher dry matter yields (9,550.93 to 11,789.91 kg ha−1) and were thus indicated for forage production. Cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended for grain yield, for the diet of monogastric animals; Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL for forage yield, for ruminant feeding; and Charrua, Olisun 3, and Paraíso 103CL for both purposes.