Growth and yield response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to sulphur and boron application

An experiment was conducted to study the growth and yield response of sunflower to sulphur and boron application. sulphur (control,15,30 kg/ha) and foliar sprays of 1% boron solution (control,spray at 4 week after emergence,20 days after first spray,at 4 weeks after germination + 20 days after first spray) was applied in soil. the results showed significant increase of all growth and yield parameters by varying levels of sulphur and boron application. application of 30 kg sulphur/ha enhanced stem diameter (1.99 cm),number of achene per head (765.75) and oil content (36.42%). in case of combined use of sulphur and boron application,maximum plant height (171 cm),head diameter (20.71 cm),1000-achene weight (54.56 g),biological yield (16.49 t/ha) and achene yield (3.99 t/ha) was recorded by the application of 2 sprays of boron solution (1%) at 4 weeks after germination and reproductive stage.