Oilseed Crops Section
The three main oilseeds are groundnut; Sesame and sunflower. Research on new varieties of peanuts and sesame has been carried out at Magway Central Farm since 1946. Imported varieties and selection of experimental farming methods were carried out. Sunflower was first experimented with cultivation on the Tat Kone farm in 1970.
The Oilseeds Division under the Department of Agricultural Research was established in 1976 to produce groundnuts, Conducted research on sesame and sunflower crops. Selection of imported varieties for obtaining new good varieties; Testing of farming methods and selection of hybrids. Research on other oilseeds such as sesame and thistle was started in 1982. Spicy sunflower research has been carried out since 1993.
Peanuts
Ongoing Research
Selection Of Imported Varieties
From 1982 to 2002, 10 to 500 varieties were obtained annually from ICRISAT, India International Crop Research Institute, India.
Hybrids Selection
According to the above objectives, 5 to 10 breeds were cross-pollinated annually and more than 800 lines were selected from the first generation to the sixth generation.
Step-By-Step Implementation Of Test Plots
Twenty to 120 varieties are selected and tested annually at local research farms and peanut cultivation areas.
Cultivation Test
The results of the appropriate row spacing test for peanuts were tested.
Research Results
Eleven varieties of groundnuts have been published, and the most popular and widely cultivated variety among the current farmers is the high-yielding groundnuts – 11 groundnuts.
Sesame
Ongoing Research
Selection Of Imported Varieties
India Japan China Korea Sesame seeds were imported from Australia from time to time. So far, 80 foreign varieties have been cultivated.
Hybrids Selection
According to the above objectives, 10 to 20 hybrids are bred annually and more than 1,000 lines are selected from the first to the sixth generation.
Step-By-Step Implementation Of Test Plots
Twenty to 100 cultivars selected each year are being cultivated at local research farms and farmers’ plots.
Cultivation Test
- One pole planting distance test
- Testing of sesame cultivation system
- Sesame irrigation time and irrigation method were tested.
Research Results
Eleven varieties of groundnuts have been published, and the most popular and widely cultivated variety among the current farmers is the high-yielding groundnuts – 11 groundnuts.
Sunflower
Ongoing Research
Selection Of Imported Varieties
Until 1980, imported varieties were selected for experimental cultivation, but now no imported varieties are available. Efforts are being made to import varieties under the oil crop development project.
Hybrids Selection
The selection process is focused on the production of hybrid sunflowers. Annual breeding of 300 male and female lines; Raising of 14 R lines; Twenty-eight tests on the integration of genes are being carried out.
Spicy sunflower seeds are being produced at Yezin and Tatkone research sites.
Cultivation Test
Suitable planting time for sunflower varieties after publication. Number of plants per acre; Fertilizer rates and irrigation methods were tested.
Research Results
Two high-yielding natural pollinators and one spicy sunflower were published. Annually distributes 5,000 acres of spicy sunflower seeds.