Improving yield and oil content
Vegetable oil made from sunflower seed is preferred by consumers because they are relatively high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats.
High consumer demand makes these plants attractive for growers, as does their yield stability under adverse growing conditions. Growers also benefit from their rotational benefit with other crops like maize.
In recent years, cultivation of sunflower has flourished – these markets now account for 75 percent of global output.
Best-in-class genetics capture value for growers
Often, a growers’ first impulse is to expand acreage. But to maximize the sustainability of the crop, they need to focus on the type and quality of seed used.
Syngenta has made significant emerging market investments in this crop over the last decade. We are driving the shift towards high performing hybrid varieties through the introduction of best-in-class genetics adapted to local conditions.
Superior germplasm leads to enhanced stability under stress and to yield increases that are further accelerated by applying our leading Seed Care products. In addition, we regularly launch varieties with specific native traits such as herbicide tolerance, high oleic acid composition and disease resistance.
Global resources, local offer
Selected acquisitions have augmented our world leadership in sunflower. Our acquisition of Monsanto’s global sunflower business was concluded at the end of 2010 and complements our existing germplasm strength in a number of markets.
Syngenta operates a global network of sunflower breeding stations that target all aspects of yield improvement, as well as traits to address stress tolerance or fatty acid composition.