Plant and Soil Science

Effect of foliar application of biological products on sunflower productivity in the north-eastern part of the forest-steppe of Ukraine

Vladyslav Bolokhovsky, Andrii Datsko, Mykola Sobko, Tetyana Khomenko, Olena Litvinova
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Abstract

Sunflower production required new technological approaches that involve not only the use of intensive hybrids, fertiliser systems, and innovative equipment, but also ensuring a comprehensive interaction of the main agrotechnological factors. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of foliar application of biological products due to their stimulating and protective effect on the development of the productivity of sunflower plants embedded in the genotype. A field method was used to investigate the interaction of research objects with natural, laboratory, and mathematical and statistical factors. It was found that foliar application of biological products showed a tendency to stimulate plant growth. The highest plant height (+5 cm) in the five leaf phase over the years of research was observed in the variant treated with Azotohelp. Foliar dressing with Organic Balance biologics affected an increase in the basket diameter by 3.25 cm compared to the control version, Organic Balance Monophosphorus – by 3.55 cm, and Azotohelp – by 3.8 cm. The weight of 1,000 grains with the use of Organic Balance increased by 5.2 g, Organic Balance Monophosphorus – 3.2 g, Azotohelp – 3.7 g. Foliar applications of biologics increased the weight of seeds from the basket by 4.9, 6.9, and 9.7 g, respectively. However, an increase in the diameter of the basket, the number and weight of seeds in it, and the weight of 1,000 grains, led to an increase in yield, which was confirmed by a high correlation (r – 0.80-0.99) between these indicators. Notably, the greater influence of Organic Balance Monophosphorus biologics on the development of sunflower yield was found in hot weather conditions in 2021 compared to more favourable conditions in 2022-2023. On average, over three years of research, the biological yield of sunflower seeds with foliar application of biologics exceeded the control option by 0.3-0.54 t/ha. The highest productivity of sunflower was formed by foliar dressing with Azotohelp biologics and amounted to 3.7 t/ha with a control level of 3.16 t/ha, an increase of 0.54 t/ha, or 17.1%. These results can be used to optimise intensive sunflower cultivation technology, which will contribute to better plant nutrition, reduce the pesticide load, and increase sunflower yield

Keywords

oilseeds; yield; fertilisers; Azotohelp; Organic Balance; Organic Balance Monophosphorus

Suggested citation
Bolokhovsky, V., Datsko, A., Sobko, M., Khomenko, T., & Litvinova, O. (2025). Effect of foliar application of biological products on sunflower productivity in the north-eastern part of the forest-steppe of Ukraine. Plant and Soil Science, 16(4), 71-81. https://doi.org/10.31548/plant4.2025.71
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