Assessment of Skipping Irrigation on Yield, its Quality and Water Relations for Sunflower Crop

Abstract

Water is the basis of life. The plants have different water needs. Sunflower is one of the most important oil crop in Egypt and 3 rd in the world. In light of the limited water resources available and the problems of marketing and export, studies are being conducted seriously to find solutions to get the maximum benefit from the crop and give the highest yield. In this study, the impact of skipping irrigation on sunflower yield, protein, oil, crop-water relations as well as crop-water functions was evaluated. Both productivity parameters were determined regarding seed yield, protein and oil content. Results showed that skipping the second irrigation following sowing (SIFS) recorded several advantages such as: nearly the same yield as obtained with full irrigation, 9% water saving and the highest water productivity in connection with consumptive use (WP) and productivity of irrigation water (PIW) with low effect on seed yield, protein and oil content.