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KBSH-44 sunflower hybrid Photo: Shraddha Sarkar · Pexels License · source ↗

KBSH-44 sunflower hybrid

KBSH-44 is a single-cross public sunflower hybrid developed by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Sunflower at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, and notified for cultivation under the AICRP-Sunflower coordinated trials. It has been one of the most widely planted public hybrids in southern India and serves as the benchmark hybrid against which newer entries are compared.

Key features

  • Breeder: UAS Bangalore (AICRP-Sunflower)
  • Type: single-cross hybrid (CMS x R-line)
  • Duration: 90-95 days
  • Seed yield: about 18-22 q/ha under irrigated rabi conditions; 12-15 q/ha rainfed kharif
  • Oil content: 38-40%
  • Head size: medium to large, well-filled
  • Adaptation: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra

Cultivation

KBSH-44 is sown in both kharif (June-July) and rabi (October-November) and the summer season under irrigation in southern India. Recommended seed rate is 5-6 kg/ha with 60 x 30 cm spacing. Adequate bee activity at flowering, or supplementary hand pollination, lifts seed set significantly and is routinely advocated by AICRP-Sunflower; un-pollinated heads typically suffer 15-30% lower yield.

Pest and disease susceptibility

The hybrid is moderately susceptible to sunflower necrosis disease (Sunflower Necrosis Disease), which is the principal viral constraint and is transmitted by thrips. Alternaria leaf spot (Sunflower Alternaria Leaf Spot) is a recurrent foliar problem in humid years. Head borer (Sunflower Head Borer Helicoverpa) is the major insect pest, with field control requiring ETL-based spray decisions.

Usage and adoption

KBSH-44 dominates organised public-hybrid sunflower cultivation in northern Karnataka, the southern Telangana and Rayalaseema rabi belts, and adjoining tracts of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It has been the AICRP check entry against which subsequent public hybrids - including the MSFH series (Msfh 17 Sunflower) - have been measured.

See also: Sunflower Crop, Msfh 17 Sunflower, Sunflower Necrosis Disease.

Sources

  1. Sunflower cultivars. ICAR-IIOR Hyderabad.
  2. Sunflower hybrid KBSH-44. UAS Bangalore.