Effects of Density and Planting Arrangement on Yield and Yield Components of Sunflower

To determine the optimum sowing and sowing pattern of sunflower (Azargol cultivar), an experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Station of Uremia, Iran during 2005 2006. A split-plot design based on randomized complete blocks with four replications was used. The main factor involved three row distances (45, 60 and 75 cm) and the subplot factor involved four plant distances on the row (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm). The results indicated that the space between the rows had significant effect on grain yield, head diameter, weight of 1000 seeds, number of seeds per head, percentage of hollow grains and number of rings per head. Furthermore, seeds per head, 1000 seed weight, head diameter, percentage of hollow grains and rings per head were significantly affected by the within-row distances. There was also a significant interaction of row space 􀂯 plant distance on row for grain yield. Based on these results, regarding grain yield, sowing pattern of 75×25 was recommended for sunflower cultivation in Uremia and similar regions.