Leaf blight of sunflower incited by Alternaria helianthi (Hansf.) Tubaki and Nishihara is a potentially destructive disease in most sunflower growing countries causing leaf spots, defoliation ultimately substantial yield loss. Considering the importance of crop and disease, different fungicides, bio-agents and plant extracts were evaluated using poisoned food technique and paper towel method at different dosages. Among seed dressing fungicides, Captan 70% + Hexaconazole 5% WP recorded cent per cent inhibition at 0.2 and 0.3 per cent (94.73 per cent average inhibition) as well as highest seedling vigour index of 4325 at 0.2 per cent dose, followed by Penflufen 13.28% + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% FS which showed 79.14 per cent average mycelial inhibition while least of 11.72 per cent mycelial inhibition was recorded by Tebuconazole 5.36% FS. Least seedling vigour index of 3922 was recorded at 0.3 per cent by Carbendazim 25 + mancozeb 50% WP. Among contact fungicides, Mancozeb and Hexaconazole were the superior contact and systemic fungicides with an average of 83.52 and 84.54 per cent mycelial inhibition (100% @ 0.2% and 0.05% dose onwards), respectively. Chlorothalonil 75% WP (9.3%) and Validamycin 3% L (10.67%) were the least effective contact and systemic fungicides, respectively. With respect to combi product fungicides, Captan 70% + Hexaconazole 5% WP and Fenamidone 10% + Mancozeb 50% WG was found highest and lowest effective with 93.15 average and 31.03 per cent (@0.3%) mycelial inhibition, respectively. The bio-agents, T. harzianum and B. subtilis were best and least effective with 78.52 and 42.15% mycelial inhibition, respectively in dual culture technique. Neem leaf extract and lantana leaf extract showed highest and lowest average of 52.68 and 32.76 per cent inhibition, respectively.

Sunflower White Mold (SWM), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a major threat to sunflower production. Traditional control methods have limited efficacy, and the pathogen often develops resistance to chemicals, making induced resistance mechanisms a promising alternative. This study investigated the efficacy of Wolfsonian, a plant immune inducer, in controlling SWM through foliar spraying and root irrigation at varying concentrations. Results showed significant reductions in disease incidence and index for both treatments, with root irrigation achieving 35.83% disease incidence and 19.52 disease index, and foliar spraying showing 36.94% incidence and 21.88 index. The average control effects were 65.86% and 61.91%, respectively, with no significant differences among concentrations within treatments. Wolfsonian also promoted sunflower growth, increasing plant height and stem diameter. Field trials confirmed its efficacy, with root irrigation reducing disease incidence to 12.22% and a control effect of 52.49%. Physiological and molecular analyses revealed that Wolfsonian induced total phenol content and H2O2 concentration, peaking at 48 and 72 hours post-inoculation (hpi), respectively. Activities of ROS scavenging enzymes (POD, SOD, PAL) increased, peaking at 72 hpi before declining. Additionally, Wolfsonian significantly induced transcripts of genes related to SA, JA, and ethylene signaling pathways, suggesting their involvement in SWM resistance. These findings highlight Wolfsonian potential as an environmentally friendly and effective SWM management strategy.

Although sunflower seed can be easily grown in many regions of Turkey due to its high adaptability, the deficit caused by insufficient production is covered by imports. When the exchange rate and oil prices rise, the prices of these products increase in Turkey, which has been an importer of oilseeds and vegetable oils for many years. In addition, sunflower, which can be grown in many regions of Turkey, contributes to Turkey's agricultural sector and sunflower seed exports are an important part of crop exports. In this study, monthly Turkish sunflower seed exports and exchange rate data for the period 2017-2023 are analysed using the ARDL bounds test method in accordance with the information obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. According to the findings, a statistically significant correlation exists between the exchange rate and sunflower seed exports, with a 1% rise in the dollar in the long term resulting in a 0,30% increase in sunflower seed exports. Meanwhile, in the short term, 62% of the impact of a shock is absorbed and reaches equilibrium over the long term.

Crop ecophysiology analyzes the behavior of plant populations in interaction with their environment. This discipline integrates concepts from plant physiology, agronomy, and ecology to develop management strategies for farmers and guide the genetic improvement of crops. The inception of Argentine research in sunflower ecophysiology almost coincides with the beginning of ecophysiology research in the country. Pioneering contributions to the international literature on sunflower by Argentine authors date back to 1985. To date, Argentine researchers have authored a total of 184 papers on sunflower ecophysiology in international journals, with an average publication rate of 5.7 papers per year during the period 2021–2023. This research has addressed a wide range of topics, including phenology, the eco-physiological and numerical determinants of yield and quality, the effects of abiotic factors on these determinants, the optimization of management practices for resource-limited environments, and genotype × environment interactions, among others. Currently, sunflower is regarded by Argentine farmers as a medium- to low-yield crop, often used as an alternative to soybean and maize in situations where these crops cannot be cultivated. However, advances in ecophysiological research in Argentina have the potential to enhance sunflower's competitiveness relative to other grain crops. The knowledge accumulated through crop ecophysiology and associated disciplines (e.g., ecology, agronomy, plant breeding, molecular biology, and genomics), along with significant methodological advances in testing techniques and data interpretation, offers an encouraging outlook for addressing the challenges of sunflower production.