The cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as an oilseed crop, was introduced into India in 1969 and is at presents mainly grown for its oil. The oil is used for culinary purposes, in the preparation of vanaspati and in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics. It is especially recommended for heart patients. Its cake is rich in protein and is used as a cattle and poultry feed.   Varieties The importance of heterosis breeding in sunflower was recognized right from its introduction in the country and thereafter with the inception of the All-India Coordinated Project on Oilseeds in 1972-73. However, cultivation of populations continued initially, and even subsequently

continued initially, and even subsequently, it was in substantial proportions till eighties. Non-availability of hybrids and problems in seed production and availability were primary reasons for such a situation. However, for the first time, experimental hybrids were developed at Bangalore in 1974-75 using cytoplasmic genetic male-sterile lines (CMS 2, CMS 124, CMS 204 and CMS 234) and restorer lines (RHA 266 and RHA 274), introduced from the USA. The first sunflower hybrid BSH 1 (CMS 234 A x RHA 274) was released for commercial cultivation in 1980. Since then, hybrid base bas been further widened with release of hybrids like APSH 1 for Andhra Pradesh and downy-mildew resistant hybrids LDMRSH 1 and LDMRSH 3 for cultivation in Maharashtra. In 1992, a hybrid KBSH 1, ranking first in both seed and oil yields, was released for cultivation in all sunflower-growing areas in the country. Most recently released hybrids are PSFH 67 and PKVSH 27. Besides, several exotic hybrids sponsored hybrids are PSFH 67 and PKVSH 27. Besides, several exotic hybrids sponsored by private seed companies, with the same yield level as KBSH 1, have been tested and provisionally recommended for cultivation eg PAC 3425, Advance, SH 3322, PAC 36, PAC 8699, PAC 9128, etc. Advent of hybrids (now occupying about 60% of sunflower area) has not only helped to increase area under crop but has also contributed in spreading of the crop to more fertile areas, because of higher productivity of hybrids. Hybrids have offered resistance to important diseases like rust and downy mildew, and tolerance to Alternaria leaf spot, besides their other positive features. Against national average yield of around 600 kg/ha, the average yields of Punjab and Haryana, where only hybrids are planted with optimum production conditions, are 1,750 and 1,618 kg/ha respectively. Owing to its wide adaptability, the crop has made a significant dent as an oilseed crop, and has particularly expanded its area with arrival of hybrids. Currently, crop is grown on over 2.0 million ha with a production of 1.2 million tonnes. Important sunflower-cultivating states are Karnataka (accounting for 59% of area and 41% of production), Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh with signs of the crop spreading in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. Cultivated hybrids have a 1,000-seed weight of 45-50 g and oil content of 40-42%. These traits could be pushed to around 55-60 g and 45-47% respectively rather comfortably. Here it is worth pointing out that in the world germplasm there are over 20 lines possessing more than 60% oil in the seed. To take crop to different agro ecological situations and cropping systems, hybrids with duration of 75-110 days are required. While medium-duration hybrids (95-100 days) have been found suitable in many situations, early-maturing hybrids are in great demand for multiple-cropping systems, especially for spring planting in northern states. Late-duration hybrids are more productive in kharif rainfed areas, where single crop is taken. Available hybrids are generally resistant to rust (Puccinia helianthi) and downy mildew (Plasmopara helianthi), although new races of these pathogens are coming up. To meet this requirement, new genetic resources have been identified in wild species, CMS lines, RHA lines and germplasm accessions. Since almost all sunflower hybrids grown around the world are based on a single source of cytoplasmic male sterility discovered by Leclercq, CMS-line diversification is considered an inevitable exercise. Two new sources, viz CMS 1 (Helianthus annuus ssp. Lenticularis) and CMS PF (H. petiolaris ssp fallax x H. annuus), have been distinguished in terms of their maintainer and restorer behaviour. CMS PF is found stable over environments. A wealth of genetic variability is available for desirable agronomic traits, disease – and insect-pest resistance, drought tolerance, and oil content and quality in wild species of Helianthus. Thus, future breeding programmes have to aim at introgression of genes from wild species into cultivated sunflower for breeding varieties with broad genetic base. The greater involvement of private sector in hybrid development in the country is expected to take crop to new heights. It is believed that Indo-Gangetic alluvium plains, with concerted development efforts, would witness sunflower in different cropping systems, situations and seasons, besides area expansion in many other regions as well.

According to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, ICAR, Government of India, KBSH 44, an early-duration hybrid with overall mean seed yield of 1,576 kg/ha recorded 25% more seed yield than best check Sungene 85. It has 33% oil content. Another medium-duration hybrid AASFH 1 recorded seed yield of 1,574 kg/ha. It has 35% oil content. Hybrid PCSH 243 with 16% more oil than best check MSFH 17 has been found promising. Healianthus simulans, H. mollis, H. divaricatus, H. maximilliani (diploids), H. decapetalus, H. paciflorus (tetraploids), H. resinous and H. tuberosus (hexaploids) are resistant source for leaf-spot, caused by Alternaria helianthi. In-vitro techniques and ploidy maniplulations were attempted to overcome incompatibility. Contrasting pair of sunflower hybrids could be identified from a group of 21 sunflower hybrids by employing Temperature Induction Response Technique. The higher salinity tolerance of the resistant hybrids can be attributed to the expression of specific LEA 4 polyclonal antibody group of protein. Application of 100% recommended P to both sunflower and soybean or chickpea crops in sequence resulted in highest seed yields and returns at Coimbatore, Raichur, Akola and Latur. At Bangalore, Imidocloprid 7.5 g/kg seed was found to reduce jassid population/plant to 2.78, followed by Marshall 40 g/kg seed, when the mean jassid population/plant was 6.40.

Intercultural operations are essential to minimize the competition of sunflower plant with the weeds. Weed-free conditions up to 60 days after sowing results in better yield performance. When the plant attains a knee high stage earthing should be done along the rows. This provides safe-guard against lodging which is likely to occur at heading stage if winds of high velocity blow. Use of Sirmate at the rate of 4 kg per hectare applied as pre-emergence has been found effective in controlling weeds in sunflower crop. If Sirmate is not available use Basalin at the rate of 1 kg a.i. per hectare dissolved in 800-1000 litres of water as pre-planting spray.

Grasshopper (Atractomorpha crenulata F.) and the capitulum-borer (Heliothis armigera Hb.) are the important pests of sunflower. Dusting with BHC 10% is effective against these pests. The important diseases of sunflower are leaf-rust (Puccinia helianthi), alternaria leaf-spot (Alternaria helianthi) and root-rot (Rhizoctonia sp.). Leaf-rust and the alternaria leaf-spot can be controlled with a 0.1% spray of either Dithane M-45 or Dithane Z-78, whereas the root-rot is controlled by drenching the soil with either Brassical or wet Ceresan. The pest and disease management strategy for sunflower includes early sowing of certified seeds of resistant varieties (Hybrid LSH 1, LSH 13 and LSH 12 are resistant to downy mildew), seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum @ 4 g/kg and removal of downy mildew-infected plants. Conservation of natural enemies and encouragement of predatory birds for control of insect pests by putting perches in the field is recommended. Use of Ha-NPV @ 250 LE/ha against Helicoverpa and Bt(K) 1 kg/ha against Spodoptera has been very effective.