Interactive effects of different intra-row spacing and nitrogen levels on yield and yield components of confectionery sunflower (helianthus annuus l.) genotype (alaca) under ankara conditions

The aim of the research was to determine the effects of different intra-row spacing (20, 30 and 40 cm) and nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) on yield and yield components of confectionery sunflower genotype (Alaca). The experiment was laid on “Randomized Complete Block Design” as split plots with three replications.  The highest seed yield obtained from 20 cm intra-row spacing and 120 kg ha-1 nitrogen and the score were 243.3 kg da-1 and 315.3 kg da-1 in 2007 and 2008. Nitrogen level increased the 1000 seed weight.  In the year with irregular rainfall (2007) in the vegetation stage the highest 1000 seed weight score was obtained as 129.6 g in 40 kg ha-1 nitrogen treatment whereas in the year with normal rainfall distribution the highest 1000 seed weight score was obtained as 113.4 in 80 kg ha-1 nitrogen. Results revealed that; decreasing intra-row spacing led to decrease in seed yield per head but increase of the seed yield. However, increasing plant population caused to small seeds and this feature is not required for confectionery varieties. For this reason, 30 cm intra-row spacing and 80 kg ha-1 nitrogen is appropriate for Alaca genotype.