What to Do About Empty Sunflower Seeds? Cause Analysis and Solutions

The sunflower is the flower of the sun, with extremely high ornamental and economic value. The sunflower seeds we eat every day are what it produces, but empty shells often appear during cultivation. This affects yield and also causes relatively large economic losses, so what causes empty sunflower seeds? Come and take a look at the detailed introduction from Qinong Web.

Causes of Empty Shells

1. Water shortage

Experiments have shown that the empty shell rate of sunflowers is related to water. When water is sufficient, the empty shell rate is generally only 3%-4%, while when water is insufficient, the empty shell rate can reach more than 35%, or even all empty shells. Therefore, sufficient water should be provided during sunflower growth, especially during the flower disc stage, when water demand reaches about half to 60% of the water demand of the entire growth stage. If water is insufficient, the seeds develop poorly, causing empty shells.

2. Poor pollination

Sunflowers are cross-pollinated crops, which also means they are often pollinated by bees and insects, but in low temperatures or rainy weather, the activity of bees and insects is low, causing the empty shell rate to rise.

Solutions

1. Strengthen fertilizer and water management

Sunflowers have a relatively large water demand during the bud stage and flowering stage, so we must provide sufficient water at this time; otherwise, the plants will lack water and the empty shell rate will increase. In addition, besides watering, fertility is also essential. Research shows that for every 50 kg of sunflower seeds produced by sunflowers, a certain amount of fertilizer is needed; otherwise, the sunflower seeds grow poorly and are prone to shriveling.

2. Artificial pollination

Since sunflowers are cross-pollinated crops, artificial pollination is necessary, as only then can the seed-setting rate be increased and the empty shell rate reduced. Artificial pollination is generally done in the morning; it must not be done at noon when the sunlight is strongest. If rainy weather occurs during pollination, rain protection measures should be taken to prevent rainwater from washing away the pollen and causing pollination failure.

The above are the causes and solutions of empty sunflower seeds brought to you by Qinong Web. In addition to the above two causes of empty sunflower seeds, pests and diseases can also lead to empty shells. During cultivation, pest and disease control work cannot be ignored either, as this affects the yield and quality of sunflowers.