Sunflower is one of the key crop species widely grown in Ukraine due to the favorable climate and high agro-technical potential. This annual oilseed crop occupies a significant share of arable land and serves as the main source of vegetable oil, rich in fatty acids. For successful sunflower cultivation, it is important to consider climatic features, such as an optimal vegetation period temperature from +18 to +25°C, as well as soil and water regime requirements, especially during flowering and maturing.
Hybrid sunflower is characterized by increased drought and disease resistance, which significantly increases yield potential. An important aspect of agronomy is proper fertilization, especially with phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, taking into account the plant's sensitivity to chlorine. Potassium fertilizers with chlorine are recommended for autumn application on medium and heavy soils, while sulfate forms are preferable after sowing on light soils. It is also necessary to ensure adequate boron content for proper crop development.
Hybrid LG 5542 CL from the French manufacturer Limagrain belongs to mid-early varieties and is characterized by high resistance to the herbicide Euro-Lightning and the CLEARFIELD system, as well as to rust species A-G. This hybrid is recommended for cultivation in southern and eastern regions of Ukraine, especially in areas affected by rust. The optimal plant density at harvest ranges from 45 to 53 thousand per hectare, depending on moisture levels. The hybrid's yield reaches about 52 centners per hectare, oil content in seeds is 49%, head diameter is 15.9 cm, and thousand-seed weight is 71 grams.
