Response of sunflower hybrid to different planting dates at Peshawar valley [Pakistan]

To find out, the best sowing time for sunflower in spring and kharif seasons at Peshawar valley, an experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar during 1996. Sunflower hybrid Aritar- 1993 was planted at 1st and 15th of each month from January to September. Significant differences for yield and yield components of sunflower for different sowing dates were observed. Maximum yield (2467 kg/ha-1) was obtained from 1st February sowing, followed by 15th January (2000 kg/ha-1). Yield was adversely affected during summer months. The lowest yield (400 kg/ha-1) was recorded for sowing done on 15th June. No specific pattern was observed in the percent oil content. However maximum oil (45%) were extracted from the seed sown on 1st April. Generally, days to germination and flowering, plant height, head diameter and days to maturity were accelerated in cooler months due to short days. The best time of sowing for sunflower is the month of February in spring season and from mid August to mid September in Kharif.