BANGALORE: A new hybrid variety of sunflower has been introduced in the market by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS). The cost effective hybrid also has a high resistance to powdery mildew.
The Karnataka Bangalore Sunflower Hybrid 53 (KBSH 53) was initially scheduled for release last year; however, as approval from the Central Seed Committee was pending, it was d e l aye d , said YG Shadakhari, professor and Head, All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRT) on sunflower, UAS.
With over 10 lakh hectares of farm land under sunflower cultivation, Karnataka accounts for nearly half the area under sunflower cultivation in the country and is popularly known as “Sunflower State” of India.
The farmers in the region, however, have been plagued by powdery mildew, a common plant disease, said Shadakhari.
Since KBSH-53 has a high resistance to powdery mildew, the farmers can expect higher yield, he said.
Further, with shorter maturing period and high oil content level, the sunflower growers can easily make an average profit of Rs 10,000 in a well-irrigated farm.