Plant Arrangement Effect on the Sunflower Yield and Yield Traits in Spring Season Crop

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant arrangements i.e. planting geometry onyield and yield contributing traits of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrid Hysun-33 at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during spring 2011 and repeated in spring 2012. The planting geometries were (a) 70 x 20 cm with rows spaced at 70 cm and plants spaced within the rows at 20 cm and (b) 90 x 15.5 cm with rows spaced at 90 cm and plants spaced within rows at 15.5 cm. It is important to mention here that 70 cm is the recommended row spacing used for sunflower crop in the region. Experiments were conducted in randomized complete block design, replicated four times. Results showed no significant changes in yield traits i.e. plant density (m^-2), number of grains per head and 1000 grains weight (g). However, biomass yield (kg ha^-1), grain yield (kg ha^-1) and oil content (g kg^-1) were found significantly (p 0.05) higher for planting geometry 90 x 15.5 cm as compared to 70 x 20 cm on mean values in both years. It is obvious from the data that yield traits are not significantly affected but still differences in its yield and seed oil content exists. So, it is possible to improve yield and yield components through proper planting geometry that may enhance crop canopy light interception and assimilates distribution within the plant parts to yield the best healthy grains.