Sunflower hybrid Ajax (NS DFSP) is a high-yielding, mid-ripening hybrid of classical cultivation technology, developed by the Institute of Field Crop and Vegetable Growing NS Seme (Serbia). It is recommended for cultivation in forest-steppe and northern steppe regions, especially in areas where sunflower ragweed is not prevalent. The vegetation period is 109-114 days, and plant height reaches 160-180 cm. The hybrid exhibits high resistance to ragweed races A-E and tolerance to major disease pathogens, including white mold, black mold, fomopsis, fomosis, alternaria, septoria, gray mold, rust, and powdery mildew, ensuring stable yields and healthy crops. Ajax has a high yield potential up to 6 tons per hectare (60 c/ha) with oil content in seeds at 50-52%. Over the years of testing, the actual yield of the hybrid varied from 3.9 to 4.6 tons per hectare. The hybrid demonstrates high drought resistance, lodging resistance, and cold tolerance, confirmed by ratings of 8-9 points. The recommended planting density depends on moisture conditions: under sufficient moisture, the seeding rate is 60-65 thousand seeds per hectare, and under insufficient moisture — 45-50 thousand. This allows optimizing plant growth and development under various climatic conditions. Sunflower Ajax seed is available in three technological solutions: Premium, Optimum, and Base. Premium seeds are treated with a complex of three fungicides, a plant growth stimulator based on phytohormones, the insecticide Lumishur (clothianidin), and microfertilizers, providing protection against most soil-borne infections and promoting strong, healthy seedlings. The Optimum solution includes an insecticide, fungicide complex, and nutrient complex of macro- and microelements, also contributing to high productivity and plant resilience. This seed treatment approach ensures reliability and efficiency in growing the Ajax hybrid.
