Sunflowers deliver stable yields and are therefore a reliable oil supplier for industrial processing. The market demands significantly more high-oleic (HO) sunflowers, and new varieties are constantly replacing existing ones.
In order to satisfy the market demand, more cultivation areas have to be developed. The choice of variety is strongly dependent on its earliness and the corresponding cultivation site. Thus, locations with autumnal fog depend on early varieties, while sunny locations can use the increased yield potential of late-maturing varieties.
Variety trials provide well-founded knowledge so that appropriate variety recommendations can be made. On the basis of practical trials at different locations throughout Switzerland, various HO sunflower varieties are grown in strips. The general state of health, the earliness and the yield performance are determined. In order to win over further organic sunflower producers, field events are being organised.
