Sunflower nutrition in the 4th - 8th leaf phase

Is there any point in feeding with foliar fertilizer in the early stages of sunflower development?
The answer is one: yes, and a large one. Although part of the fertilizer will end up in the soil, what falls on the plants is enough to activate photosynthesis, respiration and meet the needs for microelements in the initial stages of crop growth. During the first 15-20 days after germination, the above-ground part of the plants develops slowly, at the expense of the root system, which during this period grows vertically up to 40 cm. The result of early feeding with foliar fertilizers: plants are better rooted, with strong, thickened stems and dense foliage. If applied together with herbicides, foliar fertilizers increase the effectiveness of the treatment and overcome stress for the crop.

What deficiencies does sunflower suffer from in the initial stages of its development?

BORON

Sunflower is a crop with high requirements for the microelement boron. Boron plays an important role in the biosynthesis of vitamins. With a deficiency of boron in the leaves, the content of vitamin C, thiamine and riboflavin decreases, and there are disturbances in the structure of chloroplasts, which explains the weakening of photosynthesis. Therefore, proper compliance with boron supply in basic, light, sandy soils, as well as in regions with early summer drought, is extremely important.

Symptoms of boron deficiency:

First, the growth points are affected, the vegetative top of the stem dies, the development of old and the formation of new organs - stem, roots, buds, flowers - stops.

• The leaves become deformed, turn yellow, then darken, and their petioles become brittle.

• The main root of plants usually does not develop further, thickens, and in some plants becomes brittle and split.

Boron deficiency during the flowering period causes disruption of the normal development of pollen and especially of the stamens, which is why a large part of the flowers remain unfertilized and fall off.

MOLYBDENUM

In the early phases of its development, sunflower is distinguished by special requirements for molybdenum. Plant development is often arrested in the 4-6 leaf phase due to molybdenum deficiency.

Role of molybdenum in sunflower:

Molybdenum is mainly involved in the regulation of reduction-oxidation reactions in some units of nitrogen, phosphorus and iron metabolism, as well as in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll and carbohydrates.

Molybdenum is important for nitrogen absorption and pollination. It is necessary for the effective use of nitrates, due to the two enzymes containing molybdenum - nitrogenase and nitrate reductase. Molybdenum deficiency is most often found in acidic soils (below pH 5.5 - pH 6).

The application of molybdenum accelerates plant development, overcomes retention, and in the long term increases the yield and oil content in seeds.

Symptoms of MOLYBDENUM deficiency:

Even in the earliest phase - 3-4th leaf, interveinal chlorosis develops - the upper leaves curl up in an atypical shape.

• 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). The plant's ability to photosynthesize is impaired.

To protect the sunflower from these unpleasant consequences and provide it with everything it needs for a normal start and rapid growth, apply Kodamin B-Mo in the 4th - 8th leaf phase.

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, Codamin 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.

The application of the complex fertilizer Codafol Maximus 8-11-3 in the 4th-6th leaf phase will have a guaranteed positive effect on the general physiological condition of the sunflower.

The product is not only a foliar NPK fertilizer, but also contains amino acids and natural plant extracts, which have a strong stimulating, anti-stress effect. Applied together with the herbicide, it will enhance the efficiency of its absorption and prevent herbicide stress in the crop. We recommend treatment at a dose of 100 - 300 ml/ha.

BOROPLUS + Valagro EDTA Mix

Another proven combination that will provide all the necessary microelements, stimulate the metabolism of plants and increase their oil content is Boroplus + Valagro EDTA Mix, on the recommendation of our agronomists, applied twice at a dose of 5-7 ml/ha Boroplus + 5-7 g/ha Valagro EDTA Mix. The first application is in the 4th - 8th leaf phase together with the herbicide, to stimulate the growth of the sunflower and the development of a healthy and powerful root system and to reduce herbicide stress, and the second application is in the Bud phase, to increase flowering and seed setting.