High potential and stable sunflower yield: experience of growing the Ajax hybrid in the Chernivtsi region

Agronomic practices and soil preparation

Before sowing, disc harrowing was carried out after the previous soybean crop, which ensured optimal soil fragmentation and uniform preparation of the soil layer for sowing. Sowing was carried out on May 2, 2025, with a density of 59 thousand plants per hectare, which allowed the plants to develop evenly and maximize their potential.

Complex nutrition was used during sowing: 150 kg/ha of nitrate + 100 kg/ha of NPK, which ensured a powerful start to growth and the formation of the plant’s generative organs.

Protection against weeds and pests

To control weeds, the soil herbicides Tizer and Selephit were used at a rate of 2 l/ha, which ensured the purity of the crops and minimal yield losses due to competition.

The first fungicide treatment was carried out with the preparation Zakhysnyk Extra 0.45 l/ha together with boron microfertilizer 1 l/ha to support plant immunity. The insecticide Antikolorado 0.2 l/ha was used against pests, which effectively protected the crops from leaf-eating insects, as well as the microfertilizer Avangard Sunflower 1 l/ha to increase plant stress resistance.

The second treatment included Rialt 0.5 l/ha to control fungal diseases, the insecticide AC Lux 0.3 kg/ha against aphids and other small phytophagous fauna, as well as the microfertilizer Boron 1 l/ha to support generative development.

Harvesting and results

The sunflower harvest took place on October 6, 2025. The yield of the Ajax hybrid was 48 c/ha, and the oil content was 45%, confirming the high efficiency of the selected agricultural technology and the stability of this hybrid.

This cultivation example demonstrates that sunflower hybrids with high potential, when cultivated using the right agricultural techniques, are capable of producing stable and high yields even in conditions of various climatic challenges.