Sunflower NS Dionis

NS Dionis sunflower is a mid-early hybrid of the classic type with a maturity period of 100 to 105 days. It is widely cultivated in the forest-steppe, steppe, and south-steppe zones of Ukraine due to its high drought resistance and heat tolerance. The hybrid's yield potential exceeds 55 centners per hectare, making it attractive to farmers seeking high and stable yields. Plants reach a height of 170–180 cm under adequate moisture and exhibit a lush habit with high resistance to lodging. For growing NS Dionis, it is recommended to use classical soil preparation technology with the addition of organic fertilizers. Sowing should be conducted with the application of mineral fertilizers together with the seed material, which helps increase yield. The hybrid poorly tolerates dense sowing, so it is important to maintain an average seeding rate to ensure proper plant development during the vegetation period and high yield of high-oil content seeds. Maturing seeds are firmly held in the head and rapidly lose moisture, facilitating harvest and storage. NS Dionis exhibits high resistance to major sunflower diseases, such as fusarium, phomopsis, and alternaria, as well as protection against five strains of parasitic plant downy mildew (A–E). Additionally, the hybrid is resistant to infections by false powdery mildew, rust, fire blight, and sunflower moth. High pollen and nectar production makes this hybrid attractive to pollinators, further contributing to increased yield and seed quality with oil content ranging from 49–51%.