Sunflower achene shattering is a key breeding trait that determines yield losses during mechanical harvesting. It is assessed as the percentage of fallen achenes under simulated combine impact.
In the reference
142
varieties
crop Sunflower,
where this is mentioned in the description.
To evaluate shattering, capitula at the physiological maturity stage are dropped face down from a height of 70 cm, after which the percentage of fallen seeds relative to the total count is calculated. Depending on the obtained values, hybrids and lines are classified as having low (0.6–1.6%), medium (3.7–8.2%), or high shattering.
A high level of shattering leads to significant yield losses during combine harvesting, especially under adverse weather conditions with high humidity prior to harvest. Morphologically, plants with a convex-shaped capitulum are often the most resistant to shattering, although no stable correlation with capitulum height or diameter has been identified.
General information about the subject — on the page
Shattering.
Varieties of Sunflower mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.