Assessment of competitiveness of sunflower hybrids of different maturity groups

Due to the rather difficult situation that has developed in the agricultural market, sunflower has taken a leading place among oil crops grown in the Russian Federation, since sunflower oil is one of the most popular among consumers. In addition, one should not forget the importance of this crop as feed for farm animals. In this case, it is especially important to study the possibilities of improving the technology of cultivating varieties and hybrids of domestic selection. The purpose of the research is to assess the competitiveness of sunflower hybrids of different maturity groups. In the Chechen Republic and the Republic of Adygea, the bulk of sunflower crop areas are concentrated in the zone of sufficient moisture. The type of weed infestation is mixed: annual – 61.36%, perennial, respectively – 38.64%. In sunflower crops in the surveyed areas, late spring weeds predominate, which is explained by the biological characteristics of the crop and the technology of its cultivation. A distinctive feature is the presence of a specialized weed in the agrocenosis of the crop – sunflower broomrape. Monitoring the floristic composition of weed vegetation is one of the main elements in developing a system of protective measures in sunflower crops. The critical period of weed harmfulness in the agrocenosis of the early-ripening sunflower hybrid Irene in the Republic of Adygea is 30 days; mid-season sunflower hybrid Aris – 25 days; in the Chechen Republic: Irene – 27-28 days, Aris – 23 days, respectively. It is more expedient to cultivate the mid-season sunflower hybrid Aris both in the Republic of Adygea and in the Chechen Republic.