Effect of some Tillage Packages and Irrigation Water Regimes on (Growth and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L Under Dongola Area Conditions

Abstract

Afield study was conducted to known the effect of three tillage types (harrowing, disking, chiseling and control (zero tillage)) and two sowing methods (Ridge and flat) and irrigation water levels (100%ETc, 85% ETc and 75% ETc) on sunflower crop (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrid hysun33 in summer season during (2011- 2012) in Faculty of Agricultural Science farm, University of Dongola, .Northern State by A two-year field experiment was carried out using a strip- split plot arranged in randomized complete block design 12 with four replications in two seasons 2011 – 2012. Recognized standard methods were used for assessing yield, vegetative growth, soil physical properties and field :water regimes. Results can be summarizing as follows Significant differences in yields were obtained at 100%ETc irrigation water levels. This indicates the sensitivity of the crop to water stress. Analysis of variance, in both seasons, showed significant differences due to tillage treatments. The highest values in yield were obtained under harrowing treatments and lowest values were obtained under no- tillage treatment. This may be attributed to the fact that sunflower plant is a tap rooted plant that penetrates well in tilled soils. The number of seed per head was not affected by tillage treatments, water stress and sowing methods. It seems that these characters are genetically .control rather than environmentally affected Sunflower is well known for its empty seeds problem. 100% ETc irrigation water level showed no improvement in the reduction of the number of empty seeds, but, on the reverse the number of empty increased. This implies that the number of empty seeds phenomenon is associated with level of irrigation at a certain growth stages of the plant life duration. On the other hand there was no .significant difference due to sowing methods Full 100%ETc should be given to the crop to get maximum yield. Empty seeds should be studied under different .deficit irrigation levels at mid stage of plant growth