Abstract
Among the main factors that affect the productivity of crops is deficiency of nutrients. Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants, and sunflower is one of the most sensitive plants to deficiency of the element. Its inadequate supply can impair sunflower plants’ metabolism and grain and oil yield. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different boron doses on the production of sunflower grains and the content and quality of the oil obtained from them. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme with three cultivars (Helio251, BRS323, BRS324) and four B doses (0, 2.5, 5.0, 8.0 kg ha-1). Two harvests were performed, the first in the R5 reproductive stage and the second at the end of the R9 cycle. In both cases, the levels of B in the capitulum were measured. At the end of the cycle, the grain yield, crude protein and oil content in the grains and fatty acid profile were analyzed. The cultivars responded differently to the treatments with B. The boron fertilization influenced the grain yield and oil content, but was not correlated with the profile of the majority unsaturated fatty acids and crude protein in the grains. Variations were observed in the fatty acid profile between the cultivars, an important aspect that needs to be evaluated according to the purpose of the production. In soil with lower availability of B, cultivar BRS323 was most efficient in B uptake, grain yield and oil content and quality.
Highlights
Sunflower is an important source of oil for the food industry because of its good quality, in particular the high level of unsaturated fatty acids and high concentration of vitamin E (BASHIR, 2015)
The objective of this work was to assess the effects of applying different rates of B on the productive characteristics, oil content and quality of different sunflower cultivars
The results show the importance of B for grain productivity and oil content of sunflower
Summary
Sunflower is an important source of oil for the food industry because of its good quality, in particular the high level of unsaturated fatty acids and high concentration of vitamin E (BASHIR, 2015). Among the micronutrients required by plants, boron (B) is important for sunflower, since it needs higher quantities than most other crops. Alves et al (2017), when analyzing different sunflower cultivars with and without boron fertilization, found that the plants supplied with the micronutrient produced more grains and oil. The supply of boron in conditions of low nitrogen supply was fundamental to assure good grain and oil yields of one of the cultivars. Mehmood et al (2018) observed the influence of boron on the levels of oil and protein in the grains, which were higher than in the control plants when the micronutrient was applied. The supply of boron in conditions of low nitrogen supply was fundamental to assure good grain and oil yields of one of the cultivars. Mehmood et al (2018) observed the influence of boron on the levels of oil and protein in the grains, which were higher than in the control plants when the micronutrient was applied. Shekhawat and Shivay (2008) reported that the application of boron improved the oil quality, by increasing the quantity of unsaturated and reducing the saturated fatty acids
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