How to choose a sunflower hybrid for 2027

Choosing a hybrid is a decision that cannot be corrected after sowing. The right hybrid for your conditions gives a stable yield even in a difficult year, while no protection program will save the wrong one.

1. Maturity group for your region

Early hybrids clear the field sooner and better 'escape' late-summer drought; mid-season and mid-late hybrids have higher potential with sufficient moisture. Consider the sum of active temperatures and moisture reserves in your zone, as well as which crop will follow sunflower.

2. Production technology

• Conventional hybrids — a wide choice of pre- and post-emergence herbicides, lower seed price.
• Express (tribenuron-methyl tolerant) — convenient control of broadleaf weeds, including thistles and ragweed.
• Clearfield / Clearfield Plus (imazamox tolerant) — control of grass and broadleaf weeds and broomrape. Consider imazamox carry-over for following crops.

3. Broomrape resistance

If the field is infested, choose a hybrid resistant to the broomrape races common in your region, or a Clearfield hybrid. More details in the article «Broomrape on sunflower».

4. Diseases and drought tolerance

• Tolerance to phomopsis, downy mildew, white and grey rot.
• Drought tolerance and lodging resistance.
• Yield stability over the years, not just one season's record.

5. Don't put everything on one hybrid

Split the area between 2–3 hybrids of different maturity or technology — this reduces weather and disease risks and spreads out the harvest.

We will help you choose

We work with seed from leading companies. Tell us about your fields and we will select hybrids and a protection program for them.

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