Sunflowers have long been one of the key crops for Ukrainian farmers. The forecast for sunflower production in Ukraine for 2025/26 is 14.4 million tonnes, which is 11% more than last year and almost corresponds to the average for the last 5 years. At the same time, the total seed production is estimated at 14.4 million tonnes, and in the 2023–2024 marketing year alone, the country's processing enterprises processed over 15 million tonnes of raw materials — one of the highest figures in history. On such a scale, farmers not only receive a significant source of income, but also play a decisive role in ensuring Ukraine's status as a global leader in sunflower oil exports.
However, not every hybrid is capable of producing stable and high yields in modern conditions — with droughts, diseases, herbicides and broomrape. Among the successful hybrids of the new generation, Avalon sunflower from Evrosem has proven itself as a reliable solution with adaptive agricultural technology that delivers results in different regions of Ukraine.
The potential of the Avalon hybrid is best realised with the right cultivation technology. If you are planning to sow this hybrid, there are a few key points to consider.
- Soil preparation and predecessors
The hybrid responds well to post-grain predecessors (wheat, barley) or legumes. The soil should be well-structured with moderate moisture. The depth of primary tillage depends on the soil type, but 20–25 cm is optimal.
It is better to level the surface before winter to save time and moisture in the spring.
- Sowing dates and rates
Avalon starts quickly, but sowing too early can slow down germination. The optimum soil temperature is +8°C. The sowing rate depends on the zone:
- Steppe: 40–45 thousand/ha
- Forest-steppe: 55–60 thousand/ha
- Polissya: up to 60 thousand/ha
It is important to ensure uniform sowing depth (3–5 cm) and close contact of the seeds with the soil.
- Nutrition: how to unlock the potential
The Eurosem Avalon hybrid responds well to micronutrients, especially boron (in the 6–10 leaf stage and before flowering). The main fertiliser is phosphorus and potassium for basic treatment, nitrogen — fractionally: 30–40% at sowing or before emergence, the rest — top dressing.
Recommended (but depends on soil type, growing area and yield expectations):
- Nitrogen — 50–80 kg/ha p.a.
- Phosphorus — 40–70 kg/ha p.a.
- Potassium — 30–90 kg/ha p.a.
- Boron — 200–300 g/ha (2 applications)
We recommend testing the soil before applying fertiliser or consulting a specialist to make a decision.
- Plant protection: Avalon hybrid is grown using classic technology.
Since Avalon is a classic hybrid, its herbicide protection is based on traditional technologies. For effective weed control, soil herbicides (e.g. based on acetochlor or metolachlor) should be applied before emergence, as well as insurance treatments in the 2–6 leaf stage with products that are effective against dicotyledonous and grass weeds.
It is also worth considering preventive fungicide spraying during the budding/early flowering phase. The hybrid is highly resistant to phomopsis and broomrape, but additional protection is recommended in areas where these pathogens are widespread.
- Harvesting — technical maturity and basket
Sunflower forms a strong basket, the uniform ripening of which allows harvesting at the optimal time without significant losses. Plant height is average, convenient for combining. It is recommended not to delay harvesting to avoid the risk of shattering.
Avalon sunflower reviews from farmers: what they say in the fields
Farmers who have already sown Avalon in 2023–2024 note its high stability even on difficult soils. In the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv regions, the hybrid yielded 24–29 c/ha with minimal processing.
In the central region, where microfertilisers and fungicides were applied, yields of 36-40 c/ha were recorded. Particularly noteworthy is the hybrid’s benchmark genetic resistance to sunflower broomrape – 7+ races. This sunflower hybrid is recommended for areas where sunflower broomrape is widespread and yields results even in fields where this parasitic plant is common.
The Eurosem Avalon hybrid is a case where proper agricultural technology brings maximum results. It is adaptable, reliable and capable of ensuring profitable cultivation both in areas of risky farming and with intensive technologies.
If you are looking for a hybrid that ‘does the job’, Avalon sunflower will be a reliable support for your season.