Foliar feeding of sunflower is key to achieving high yields

Sunflower is a crop that is particularly demanding of balanced nutrition. To ensure the desired yield, it is necessary to introduce a complex of microelements in chelated form, for easy and complete absorption by the plants at the right time.

Boron deficiency, especially in weaker, light, sandy and acidic soils, as well as in regions with early summer drought, can lead to severe phytotoxicity, and a severe deficiency during the growing season can lead to the death of plants before flowering.

For the prevention and treatment of boron deficiency, we offer you two products of exceptional quality - Boroplus by Valagro and Codamin B-Mo by SAS.

Boroplus

The main advantages of Boroplus are the digestible form - boron in a complex with ethanolamine, which is most digestible by plants, as well as the purity of the synthesis. Boroplus is free of any impurities, visible evidence of which is the bright yellow color of the product. The advice of our agronomists is to apply 150 ml of Boroplus, in two doses - the first 50 ml/hectare together with the herbicide, in order to use the influence of boron on the growth of a healthy and full root. The rapid development in depth of the main root provides the sunflower with more abundant access to moisture and nutrients, which are key for the nutrition of the above-ground parts. The second application is at a dose of 70-100 ml/hectare in the bud phase.

What is the role of Boroplus in the bud phase?

It allows for pollination even at higher air temperatures. Pollen at temperatures above 27-28 degrees has a reduced pollinating ability. With the application of Boroplus, the pollination process continues normally even at high temperatures. This is especially important for later hybrids and late sowing. When the pollen begins to weigh down, the boron prevents the stem from breaking abruptly, so that the pollen can be fed. Last but not least, Boroplus plays a role in the formation of good leaf mass, which is of particular importance for nutrition - one pair of leaves feeds one circle of the pollen.

Codamin B-Mo

Codamin B-Mo is a liquid foliar fertilizer that, in addition to boron (6.4%), contains molybdenum (0.2%) and amino acids (12.3%) of plant origin. In addition to correcting boron deficiency, by combining boron with amino acids and molybdenum, protein synthesis is promoted and synergies are created that improve their movement and penetration through cells. This facilitates physiological processes throughout the plant's vegetation. In addition, Kodamin B-Mo saves the plant from spending its own energy and stimulates resistance to adverse conditions, increasing yields and quality. The dose is 200-250 ml/ha, and 1 to 3 applications can be made.

Symptoms of molybdenum deficiency in sunflower:

• Interveinal chlorosis develops in the earliest phase (3rd-4th leaf);
• In severe cases of molybdenum deficiency, necrotic spots form on the edges of the leaves and the leaves curl into a spoon-shaped shape (the leaf blade resembles a spoon).

Here are some photos taken in the fields of our clients, which clearly show the symptoms of boron and molybdenum deficiency:

Sulfur deficiency, especially in moist and poorly drained soils, can be overcome with the product Magne Raps S at a dose of 200-250 ml/ha in the phase from the 6th pair of leaves to the beginning of budding.

For good oil quality and perfectly filled kernels, we recommend applying a complex of microelements. They will stimulate metabolic processes in the aboveground vegetative mass and will trigger absorption by the roots. Full foliar feeding during the setting of the first 6-8 pairs of leaves is much more beneficial for the yield than introducing nitrogen into the soil. Here we have some very good suggestions.

Valagro EDTA MIX will provide the plants with all the necessary microelements, chelated with EDTA for perfect absorption - magnesium, iron, boron, molybdenum, manganese, zinc and copper. The application should be divided into two times - 5 g/ha at 4-6 pairs of leaves and 5 g/ha in the bud phase. Another option is to apply 100 g/ha in the bud phase to ensure good nutrition of the pita.

Master 3.11.38 in the bud phase will provide the necessary potassium nutrition so that the pit can open well, fill and then feed. The dose is 250 g/ha. With Master you can be sure that the necessary macronutrients will reach the plants quickly and safely, because the crystalline fertilizer has complete and instant solubility.

Codafol 4.16.28 is our offer from the Spanish manufacturer SAS. It will also provide a full nutritional effect, and its dosage is 200-300 ml/hectare.

Stress from low spring crops, drought and herbicide use

In the bud phase or at any time when you notice symptoms of stress in the crop (caused by large temperature amplitudes, drought, heavy rains, hail), you can apply the biostimulant Megafol. It will provide quick and effective stress management and will help the pine move to the crown. We recommend preventive application of Megafol at a dose of 150 ml/ha or at a higher dose after a stressful event - 200-250 ml/ha.

Phytosanitary toxicity in sunflower

The same sunflower, after two treatments with Megafol at a dose of 25 ml/ha:

The other product that you can use for general nourishment and in stress conditions is Codafol Maximus.

It is a combined product, which, in addition to amino acids and natural stimulants from algae (10.66%), also contains a complex of macro and microelements - nitrogen (10.4%), phosphorus (14.3%), potassium (3.9%), magnesium (0.39%), manganese (0.98%), boron (0.14%) and zinc (0.68%). It has an invigorating and anti-stress effect, increases productivity and quality of production. Apply it from the 8-12 leaf phase until the end of the sunflower vegetation at a dose of 100 to 300 ml/ha, depending on the condition of the crop and the desired effect.

To protect plants from the stress of variable spring temperatures, provide them with balanced nutrition with microelements and anti-stress biostimulants. They will thank you with large cakes full of quality seeds!