Yağlık Ayçiçeği Üretiminde Karşılaşılan Bitki Koruma Sorunlarının Belirlenmesi: Sivas İli Örneği, Türkiye.

This study was conducted to determine the plant protection issues encountered in oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production in Sivas province, Türkiye. In this study, a total of 88 producers from Sivas province (including the districts of Merkez, Zara, Hafik, and Yıldızeli) were interviewed and survey forms were filled out. The survey data covers the 2022 production season. According to the findings of the study, sunflower producers face various problems related to diseases, pests, and weeds. Producers identified factors such as sunflower wilt (26.14%), sunflower rust (9.09%), bird damage (30.68%), wild boar damage (25.00%), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) infestation (75.00%), and wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) infestation (67.05%) as significant agricultural pest issues in sunflower production areas. In sunflower agriculture, producers reported using both chemical and cultural methods, adjusting the type and dosage of pesticides according to the recommendations of agricultural pesticide dealers. Additionally, producers mentioned the uncertainty of sunflower prices as one of the main problems they face. To achieve higher yields in sunflower farming, it would be beneficial for producers to participate in training programs organized by agricultural institutions on cultivation practices as well as plant protection agents and their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]