Nutrient absorption in sunflower genotypes

Among the possibilities of obtaining high grain yields in a crop, as well as costs reduction, stands out the identification of genotypes with greater efficiency in the absorption and utilization of nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate agronomic traits (plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves), nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and B) and grain yield of sunflower genotypes. The experimental design was a randomized blocks design, with 8 genotypes (M734, HELIO 358, Embrapa 122, HLE 23, MG 341, BRS G37, BRS G41, V90631) and four replications. All genotypes presented plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves within the standards established for hybrids and commercial varieties. Foliar concentrations of N, P, Mg, S and B were not influenced by the sunflower genotypes. The foliar contents of K and Ca were distinct among the sunflower genotypes, with the highest levels observed in HELIO 358 and MG341, respectively. The highest grain yields were obtained with BRS G37, HLE 23, M734 and HELIO 358. There was a positive correlation between morphological characters and nutrient contents in the V90631 and Embrapa 122 cultivars, and between nutrient contents and grain yield in the M734 cultivar