Yield Prediction of Sunflower Using Regression Equation Under Changing Rainfall Situation in Scarcity Zone of Maharashtra

Present investigation entitled “Yield Prediction of sunflower using regression equation under changing rainfall situation in scarcity zone of Maharashtra.” was carried out during 2016-20 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Solapur, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri Maharashtra State (India). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications. Nine treatment combinations were formed considering different cultivars viz., V1 Bhanu, V2 MSFH-17 and V3 Phule Bhaskar and sowing windows viz., (S1) 2nd fortnight of June (25th - June), (S2) - 2nd fortnight of July (27th - July), (S3) - 2nd fortnight of August (24th - August). Among the three sunflower sowing window crop sown in second fortnight of July (S2) produced significantly highest grain yield (1377.9 kg ha-1) and total monetary returns (52,154/- kg ha-1), CUM (326 mm), MUE (4.33 Kg ha-1 mm), GDD (19170 days), RUE July (1.79 g MJ-1) than other dates of sowing. Among the genotypes Phule Bhaskar produced significantly higher grain yield (1200.0 kg ha-1), total monetary returns (Rs. 44675/- ha-1), CUM (314.8 mm), MUE (4.23 Kg ha-1 mm), mean number of days to attain physiological stages (92 days), GDD (18150 days).The correlation study revealed that the wind speed had significant positive correlation at emergence phase (P1) and 3 leaf stage (P2). Tmax had significant positive influence and RH-I, RH-II and RF has significant negative influence at button phase (P3).Under changing rainfall situation sowing of Kharif sunflower contingent crop in second fortnight of July i.e. 16th July to 29th July (MW 30-31) in medium deep soil of scarcity zone of Maharashtra is recommended. Following regression equation based on weather parameters for predicting the yield (prior to 2 weeks) is recommended. Yield=- 86.802-3.860 x Tmin + 2.332 x RH-1-0.182 x RH-2 -0.076 x RF +0.370 x Epan