Abstract: 【Objective】 To explore the optimum cultivation techniques for the production of edible sunflower seed under natural pollination conditions in Gansu. 【Methods】 Sterile line 9063A and restorer line A1361R of hybrid ZH9018 were used as test materials. With a split zone design,the main zone was designed for testing the planting density with four levels：34 500,40 500,46 500 and 52 500 plants/hm². The auxiliary zone was for fertilizer with three levels set on top of base compound fertilizer of 450 kg/hm². The three levels were,150 kg/hm² of urea topdressing at both squaring stage and filling stage;150 kg/hm² urea topdressing plus 45 kg/hm² potassium sulfate at squaring stage and 150 kg/hm² urea topdressing at filling stage;150 kg/hm² urea topdressing plus 45 kg/hm² potassium sulfate at both squaring stage and filling stage. Relevant traits were then investgated. Yield was calcuated during the harvest period. Seeds graded after the test. 【Results】 Different planting density had a significant effect on edible sunflower stem thickness,disk diameter,single disk seed weight,100-grain weight,and seed size（P<0.05）. The effect of different fertilization treatments on plant height,stem thickness,disk diameter and single disk seed weight and 100-grain weight was not significant（P>0.05）. The effect of planting density on the seeds yield was extremely significant（P<0.01）;the effect of different fertilization treatments on seeds yield was not significant（P>0.05）. The optimal condition was 150 kg/hm² urea topdressing plus 45 kg/hm² potassium sulfate at both squaring stage and filling stage,and planting density at 46 500 plants/hm² was the best seed production,with seed yield reached 2 333.1 kg/hm²;the highest seed yield of M-level seeds at 82.9%. 【Conclusion】 Planting density of 46 500 plants/hm²,base compound fertilizer 450 kg/hm²,squaring stage and filling stage 150 kg/hm² urea topdressing plus 45 kg/hm² potassium sulfate was recommended for edible sunflower seed production in Gansu.

Key words: Edible sunflower, Sunflower seed production, Planting density, Fertilization configuration, Seed yield