Some South African grain farmers often view sunflower as a second-fiddle crop, instead of the star of their grain-production enterprise. As a result, they tend not to dedicate enough time, attention and resources to it.

Sunflower can, however, be much more than a catch crop. For one thing, it is well adapted to cope with dryer conditions. This advantage, combined with lower input costs, reliable market prices and the option to negotiate a premium based on oil content, allows sunflower to compete on equal footing with other grain crops, according to Muntingh Hamman of Syngenta.

The Agronomic Advantages of Sunflower

Adaptability to Drought and Varied Climate Conditions

Sunflower’s ability to adapt to different climate conditions is ascribed to its tolerance for high and low temperatures alike. The crop’s capacity to deal with drought conditions can be a great advantage in the upcoming season, given predictions that El Niño is likely to cause below-average rainfall.

Economic Benefits and Market Potential

The market-price differential should be weighed against sunflower’s lower input costs and especially its potential to be the solution to grain production under dryer conditions. The biggest source of untapped potential, however, is the premium that growers can earn for sunflower grain with high oil content, Hamman said.

Enhancing Sunflower’s Value

The Shift Towards High Oil Content

“The future of sunflower lies in oil,” says Charles Basson, Sunflower Breeder. “In the past, the focus used to be on grain yield only, leaving processors with the short end of the stick. The new focus is on cultivars with a high oil content, which can contribute to better profitability for growers and processors alike.”

Achieving Premium Quality and Yield

The current oil-content standard for sunflower grain is between 36% and 38%, but with SY 3970 CL growers have been achieving 42% to 50% oil in the past few years. With the right support and planning, which includes crop protection, growers can realise excellent returns on an investment in sunflower.

Cultivation Best Practices

Crop Protection and Management

Sunflower is traditionally grown in the western parts of the summer grain production region but can be planted just as successfully in other production areas. Some growers prefer to plant soybeans because yields are usually higher. “Products are available to control grasses and suppress sedges pre emergence, and to control broadleaves and certain grass weeds post emergence, it is possible to limit weed competition to a large extent and effectively protect sunflower seedlings,” says Hamman.

Strategic Planting and Crop Rotation

Foliar feeding at the right time will furthermore make a significantly positive difference. A holistic approach will safeguard a sunflower crop and allow growers to maximise yield and profit. Such an approach includes crop rotation, specifically to combat Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the fungus that causes stem rot. It is also important to plant sunflower at the right time. November is the best time to get seeds in the soil. By simply planting earlier, growers can ensure higher sunflower yields and better profit margins.

Conclusion

Growers aiming for optimal yield and oil content cannot continue treating sunflower as a catch crop. “Sunflower requires the same careful management and cultivation practices as other crops. It is possible to make good money with the yellow flowers, provided you adhere to the optimal plant window, fertilise properly and implement solid management practices,” concludes Hamman.