Getting to grips with the basics of sunflower production

Sunflower is an important oilseed in South Africa and a highly versatile crop.

- Linda Piegl reports.

Well suited to the country's climate, it is resilient, moderately drought-tolerant and known for its water-use efficiency, making it a valuable option for diversification. It is also ideal for rotation with maize and legumes.

Sunflower production is on the rise in South Africa, where the crop is predominantly grown in the Free State, North West and Limpopo. In its latest estimate on area planted in its second production forecast for summer crops for 2025, the Crop Estimates Committee expects 555 700ha to be planted to sunflower this year, with a forecast yield of 770 500t. This represents a 19,8% increase over the previous season’s output.

Sunflower is produced mainly for the domestic market and has numerous uses across the food, agricultural and industrial sectors. The oil is used in cooking, condiments and snack production, and the by-product of oil extraction — the nutritious oilcake — is added to animal feed. Additionally, the oil is used to manufacture biofuels, agrochemicals, pesticides, paint and detergents, among other products.

Sunflower production is appealing to new farmers, as it requires lower input costs than other summer crops, and with effective crop management, it can be a highly profitable enterprise.

CULTIVAR SELECTION

Hybrid varieties are mainly used in commercial sunflower production, because they offer higher yields and oil content. Currently, there are no genetically modified sunflower varieties in South Africa. However, Clearfield Plus (CLP) hybrids have been engineered to allow for the effective control of broadleaf and grass weeds. This herbicide resistance is the result of a natural mutation.

Choosing the right cultivar for a specific production area is key to optimising yields. Jenny Mathews,