Whether growers are producing sunflowers for the high oleic or traditional oil market, Garst Seed Company’s 2007 sunflower hybrid lineup delivers high yields as well as other characteristics that boost producers’ income while meeting processors’ demand.  

“Yield and oil content are two of the most important characteristics for many growers so we select genetics that maximize both,” says Scott Hart, product manager of sunflowers for Garst. “At the same time we also pay close attention to improving agronomic traits such as emergence, root and stalk strength, seedling vigor and fast drydown because these have an important impact on performance and yield. Overall, we have a lineup that performs well in the field and meets the needs of the different end users.”

Garst’s 12 sunflower hybrids for 2007 have a wide range of maturities — 95 to 102 days to physiological maturity (DPM) — and include hybrids for the confection, traditional oil, mid- to high-oleic, NuSun® and dehulling markets.

Four New Hybrids for 2007

One of Garst’s new sunflower hybrids for 2007 is 4651NS, a mid-early NuSun hybrid offering top-end yields and a 97 DPM. It is a medium tall plant with excellent standabilty, a complete disease package and a very good test weight. It moves well north of the zone and has the genetic background of the traditional oil hybrid 278.

With a 102 DPM, 4420NS delivers excellent rust resistance in a NuSun hybrid. It is a top performer in university trials, delivering excellent standability and strong stalks and roots. This hybrid responds well to irrigation and performs well in South Dakota and the High Plains with early planting. It is a good choice for the dehull market.

A superb agronomic package with great test weight that moves north of the zone best describes 4665HO, a mid- to full-season high-oleic hybrid. It is a medium tall hybrid with good stalk strength and a 97 DPM.

4596HO is a high-yielding, high-oleic hybrid with excellent agronomic and disease packages. This 99 DPM hybrid has very good drydown and drought tolerance. It also is a widely adapted hybrid that performs well north of the zone.

For more information about Garst’s sunflower lineup or other high-performing seed from the company, contact your local sales representative, call toll-free 1-888-GO-GARST (464-2778) or check www.garstseed.com.

Garst Seed Company, with headquarters in Slater, Iowa, provides innovative seed solutions for growers across North America with high yielding corn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa and sunflower products. For more information about Garst products, contact your local Garst ProSeller or visit Garst’s Website at www.garstseed.com.

Garst Seed Company is affiliated with Syngenta, a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.