Biotech Studies 2016, Vol 25, Num, 2     (Pages: 272-277)

The Effects of Harvest Stages on Silage Performances of Different Sunflower Populations

Zeynep DUMLU GÜL ,Mustafa TAN

1 Atatürk Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Erzurum DOI : 10.21566/tarbitderg.282820 - Present study was conducted at irrigated area of Atatürk University Agriculture Faculty in 2009 and 2010. Seven different local sunflower populations (Edirne-black seeds, Edirne-white seeds, Erzurum-black seeds, Erzurum-white seeds, Kırklareli-black seeds, Kırklareli-white seeds and Tekirdağ) were studied for silage at 3 different harvesting periods (table formation, bloom stage and grain filling) in the scope of the field experiments. The field experiment was designed as randomized complete block with three replicates. Parameters of plant height, leaf ratio, stem ratio, table rates, fresh yield, dry matter yield and crude protein yield were investigated in the experiments. Yield and characteristics of local varieties differed largely in the study. The highest yields of silage material, dry matter and crude protein were obtained from Erzurum-black and Edirne-white populations. As the harvesting period delayed silage yield increased. The largest yields of silage material (10489.6 kg/da), dry matter (2566.3 kg/da) and crude protein (271.1 kg/da) were observed in grain filling period. Keywords : Silage, sunflower, silage yield, plant characteristics