Sunflower — an annual plant with a tall stem, strong root system, and large leaves, which is one of the main oilseed crops in Ukrainian and Russian agriculture. Its value lies in its seeds, which contain a high amount of oil, making sunflower an important raw material for the food industry, margarine production, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed. Additionally, processing by-products are used for technical purposes, and honey from sunflowers has medicinal properties and is used to improve the function of the cardiovascular system and other organs.
The mid-season sunflower hybrid "ZURO 162" is characterized by high adaptability to various growing conditions, including drought, and resistance to common diseases such as sclerotinia, powdery mildew, and A-G rust. Plants reach a height of 175–185 cm, have a vegetation period of 114–118 days, and a productivity potential of 5.0–5.5 t/ha. Seeds are characterized by high purity and oil content up to 51%, ensuring good profitability of planting material. The hybrid has a semi-ascending flower head and a 1000-seed mass of 57–65 g.
To increase yield and protect crops from weeds, especially rust, the "EuroLighting" technology is applied, which involves the use of herbicides based on imidazolinones. This technology allows growing sunflowers on fields with high weed pressure, improving soil phytosanitary condition and ensuring hybrid resistance to herbicides. Thus, "ZURO 162" is a modern and effective solution for farmers aiming to achieve high-quality sunflower yields.
