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Use of a Desiccant on Sunflower
If bird pressure is severe, disease levels are high, or lodging problems are occurring the use of a harvest-aid desiccant for sunflowers may be in order. The desiccant shouldn't be applied by air until the sunflower crop reaches physiological maturity. The back of the heads should be bright yellow (no green) and bracts around the head turning brown. Also, the chaffy material on the frontal portion of the head should be easily rubbed off. Moisture content of the seeds should be 34-35% or less. Two types of desiccants can be used. These include paraquat (Gramoxone Extra) and sodium chlorate (Leaf-Ex3 and Defol) for use on oilseed and confectionary sunflower. Allow a minimum of 7 to 10 days prior to harvest to get maximum killing and drydown of the sunflower. Warm, sunny days following application gives the best results. Read and follow the label for rates and adjuvants to use.
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