Sunflower Heads Research Articles

Sustavi sjetve kao čimbenik prinosa zrna u proizvodnji suncokreta

The paper presents the results of a triennial study of the sowing system influence on the yied, grain weight per head, plant set per ha and of the grain moisture of a medium-early sunflower hybrid . Standard sowing was performed with the PSK OLT sowing machine at a row spacing amounting to 70 cm, while a twin row sowing was performed with the MaterMacc Twin Row-2 sowing machine at a row spacing of 22*48 cm. Both sowing machines were adjusted according to the ISO standard 7256/1 and 7256/2, with a high QFI index (PSK OLT: 96.32 %; MaterMacc Twin Row-2: 93.93 %). The research was conducted at the Gorjani Experimental Field on psudogley bearing the textured markings of a silty loam, with a weak acid reaction and a small amount of humus. An analysis of variance determined a statistical significance of the sowing system on the grain yield and the grain mass per sunflower head. Sowing in twin rows achieved the higher yields for all three research years : 19.59% in 2017, 19.11% in 2018, and 18.45% in 2019. Plant density was not statistically significantly affected by the sowing systems and vegetation year, but the grain moisture was statistically significantly different between the analyzed research years .

Physio-chemical characterization of indigenous agricultural waste materials for the development of potting media.

Organic residues are an important factor that directly affects fruiting tree seedlings' health at earlier stages. It provides a suitable environment for seedling growth by providing better nutrient ions, water, and aeration. However, low organic contents and high shrinkage of most organic materials mostly deteriorate ideal potting media characteristics. Low aeration, high water, and nutrients leaching decrease seedling growth and cause a significant loss of valuable resources. That is why the current study was conducted to screen out the best indigenous materials based on particle size to produce good characteristics bearing potting media. For that, eight different ingredients, i.e., “sugarcane”, “coconut coir”, “wheat straw”, “rice straw”, “corn cob”, “leaf litter”, “farmyard manure”, and “sunflower heads” were collected. Initially, all the materials were air-dried and processes as per requirement. After grinding, three particles size (fine = < 2 mm, medium = 3 mm and coarse = 5 mm) were separated by sieving. Results showed that decreasing particle size in “rice straw”, “corn cob”, “farmyard manure,” and “sunflower head” decreased leachate pH. Higher EC in leachates was negatively correlated with particle size in all potting media ingredients. Except for farmyard manure, fine particle size increases the water-holding ability of potting media ingredients. However, air-filled porosity was associated with a decrease in particle size of potting media in gradients. In conclusion, farmyard manure, “sunflower heads”, “leaf litter” and “sugarcane” should be incorporated while making a combination for potting media. More investigations are suggested by mixing different particle size ingredients to prepare potting media.

VARIABILITY OF SUNFLOWER HEAD/CAPITULUM BY NEW MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS

New studies on the morphological characteristics of sunflower plants could provide new systems and directions in the complex progress of the future improvement of hybrids. Through the complex (Encheva &amp; Shindrova, 2014) and wide genetic dowry together with the concrete cultivation conditions of the sunflower, the characteristic expression of the plant morphology takes place. In the recent improved Hysun 162 IT hybrid, some new characters were found, specific to the semi-early maturity group. Thus, the diameter of the sunflower head/capitulum had an average of 17 cm. The weight of the sunflower head was 105 g together with the achenes produced and only 39 g empty head, without achenes. The average of number of achenes/ head was 1470, and their weight was 65 g. The percentage of empty achenes was 2-3%, and the mass of one thousand seeds was on average 44 g. The seeds had a length of 10 mm and width of 5 mm. Positive correlations were generally obtained between the morphological characters of the sunflower head. Though this study carried out on the components of the heads of this new sunflower hybrid, a good adaptability to the current zonal agriculture was found.

Design, Simulation and Experimentation of an Axial Flow Sunflower-Threshing Machine with an Attached Screw Conveyor

Sunflower threshing is one of the most interesting field processes for making the sunflower ready for seed handling, drying, cleaning and oil extraction. One of the biggest problems observed during the sunflower threshing process is the accumulation of threshed crop on the first third of the threshing roller and passing off some unthreshed parts of sunflower heads. To solve the aforementioned problem and optimize the efficiency of the sunflower threshing process, this research was focused on devising and testing a sunflower threshing machine with a close threshing box system equipped with a screw conveyor that evenly distributed the feedstock of sunflower heads on the entire length of the threshing roller. The machine was tested to assess the seed damage rate, unthreshed seed percentage, threshing efficiency, machine productivity, power requirements and specific energy consumption. The evaluation was done under different roller rotational speeds (150, 200, 250 and 300 rpm) and feeding rates (600, 700, 800 and 900 kg/h). The obtained results revealed that the threshing evaluation parameters were affected significantly by the roller rotational speed and feeding rate. The threshing efficiency was observed to rise with the rise in the roller rotational speed, and it also rose with the increasing feed rate up to 800 kg/h and then started to descend. The unthreshed seed percentage decreased with the increase in the roller rotational speed for all feed rates, and it decreased with the increasing feed rate up to 800 kg/h and then started to increase at the higher feed rates. The damaged seed percentage, power requirement and machine productivity increased with the increase of the roller speed and feed rate. The Buckingham π theorem was followed to find an equation to predict the threshing efficiency, resulting in an equation with an R2 value of 0.9309. With elimination of the blockage problem and better threshing efficiency, this machine could be a good choice for small- to medium-sized sunflower farms.

Farklı Temel Toprak İşleme Yöntemlerinin Ayçiçeği Tohumlarının Toprak Katmanındaki Dikey Dağılımına ve Bitki Gelişimine Etkisi

The investigation was carried out on slightly leached chernozem soil type during 2014 – 2016. The effects of different soil tillage methods for sunflower on the vertical distribution of the seeds in the soil layer and the development of the plants were followed – ploughing at 24-26 cm, chisel ploughing at 24-26 cm, disking with disk harrow at 10-12 cm and no-tillage. The highest percent of sunflower seeds in the zone of the soil layer optimal for sowing (5-7 cm) were significantly placed in the areas cultivated with chisel-ploughing (62.1%). Under the other types of soil tillage, their amount decreased. When sowing was performed at a mean diurnal air temperature close to the norm (10.1 °С), the emergence of the plants in the variants with chisel ploughing, disking and no-tillage occurred significantly slower in comparison to ploughing. At higher mean diurnal air temperature (12.0 °С), only at the beginning of sunflower emergence some delay was observed depending on the type of the applied soil tillage. Under these conditions, a significant difference in the occurrence of the phenophases was determined in the variants with disking and direct sowing, as compared to the areas with ploughing. With the minimizing and exclusion of the soil tillage, the growth of the sunflower plants was significantly retarded at the initial stages of their development. At phenophase flowering, the plant height and the stem diameter were lowest in the areas cultivated with disking. The investigated types of soil tillage did not have a significant effect on the diameter of the sunflower heads.

Молотилка для обмолота отдельных корзинок подсолнечника

As a result of the studying the threshing process of individual sunflower heads on a specially designed stand, we found the main factor affecting the quality of threshing is the threshing disc speed. It is named the acceleration coefficient, which is defined as the ratio of the threshing roller frequency to the starting frequency. It allowed modifying the design of the existing thresher. While modernizing the thresher, the basic principle of sunflower heads threshing and threshing modes remained unchanged. We added a smooth adjustment of threshing modes by means of an electric motor speed control unit, which allows adjusting the thresher for high-quality threshing of heads of the various sunflower varieties. The deck is cleared of seeds stuck in it with compressed air; the threshed head is ejected automatically. According to the results of laboratory tests of the modernized thresher, it was concluded that it provides highquality threshing of individual sunflower heads. Therewith, amount of injured seeds does not exceed 0.35%, seed losses in the thresher do not exceed 1.73% and the seed content in the heap after threshing is 97.02 %.

Comparative Assessment of Biogas Production Potential of the Most Abundant Agro-residues in Turkey

Recent energy policies promote energy generations from green resources to meet sustainability criteria. Since Turkey is one of the largest agricultural producers globally, it has great biogas production potential. This study aims to evaluate the biomethane yields of the most abundant agro-residues in Turkey and to assess their potentials for contribution to biogas production. Within this scope, sunflower heads, tea residues, cotton stalks, and crop residues; wheat, rye, and triticale straws were collected from different regions of Turkey. Anaerobic batch digesters were conducted to investigate the biomethane production of the selected feedstock and operated for 30 days at 37°C. Each setup was conducted in triplicates and methane productions were monitored online. The main methane production route of the inoculum was determined as acetoclastic methanogenesis while Cloacimonetes, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes composed the core bacterial phyla. The greatest methane yield was observed in the digesters operated with the wheat straw followed (164 NmL/gVSinfluent) by triticale straw and sunflower head. The lowest yields were calculated for the digesters fed with the cotton stalks (71 NmL/gVSinfluent). To increase the biomethane potential yields in the anaerobic digesters operated with agro-residues and to make the anaerobic digesters more feasible, operational conditions should be optimized and physico-chemical and biological pre-treatment techniques and/or bioaugmentation applications should be integrated into the systems.

Optimization of sunflower head pectin extraction by ammonium oxalate and the effect of drying conditions on properties

Pectin is a kind of natural and complex carbohydrates which is extensively used in food, chemical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Fresh sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) heads were utilized as a novel source of pectin extracted by ammonium oxalate. The conditions of the extraction process were optimized implementing the response surface methodology. Under optimal extraction parameters (extraction time 1.34 h, liquid–solid ratio 15:1 mL/g, ammonium oxalate concentration 0.76% (w/v)), the maximum experimental yield was 7.36%. The effect of spray-drying and freeze-drying on the physiochemical properties, structural characteristics, and antioxidant activities was investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, high performance size exclusion chromatography, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed freeze-drying lead to decrease in galacturonic acid (GalA) content (76.2%), molecular weight (Mw 316 kDa), and crystallinity. The antioxidant activities of pectin were investigated utilizing the in-vitro DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging systems. This study provided a novel and efficient extraction method of sunflower pectin, and confirmed that different drying processes had an effect on the structure and properties of pectin.

Broadband second harmonic generation in aperiodic nonlinear photonic crystals: 1D projection from 2D Vogel sunflower spiral array

The structure of the sunflower head can be used to realize broadband applications in optics. However, this 2D structure, with a ring-shaped reciprocal space, only has a normalized Fourier coefficient peak around 0.033, which leads to a relatively low conversion efficiency and may restrict its applications. We tried to maintain its broadband features while with larger Fourier coefficients by structure dimension reduction. We obtained an aperiodic 1D structure from a 2D Vogel sunflower spiral array by a cut-and-projection method. Workable reciprocal vector bands were found with this 1D structure in the vicinity of a pre-set central wavelength λ0 = 1.4 µm, and its peak Fourier coefficients can be 5–7 times as large as the original 2D structure. With this, we investigated broadband quasi-phase matching (QPM) second harmonic generation (SHG) in samples with different reversed ratios D. To illustrate in more detail, three samples were closely examined with D = 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6. Bandwidths of these three samples for first-order QPM SHG are 90, 70, and 30 nm, respectively, with a fundamental wave in the vicinity of λ0 = 1.4 µm. The exact SHG solution of coupled-wave equations was used in the evaluation of conversion efficiencies. Calculations showed broadband high conversion efficiency.

The Film-Forming Characterization and Structural Analysis of Pectin from Sunflower Heads

A natural low-methoxyl pectin (termed AHP,DM=25.9%) was extracted from dried heads of sunflower and showed better film-forming performance blended with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The solutions and films of different HPMC/AHP blends were characterized by viscosity, transparency, mechanical properties, loss on drying, water drop penetration time (WDPT), disintegration and SEM. In order to analyze the structure-property relationship of film forming, AHP was separated by ion-exchange chromatography and characterized. The results showed that the blends were immiscible, but the formation of AHP gel would give the blended film better mechanical properties. AHP was fractionated into one neutral fraction and two acidic fractions (AHPA-1 and AHPA-2). The analytical results showed that AHPA-1 and AHPA-2 were identified to be homogalacturonan- (HG-) rich pectins with low DM, and the molecular weights of them were estimated to be 106 kDa and 226 kDa, respectively. Due to the high content of the HG domain, low DM and high molecular weights, AHP had excellent gelling properties induced by Ca2+ and was added to improve the film-forming properties of HPMC and to develop plant hollow capsules.

Effect of Plantation Date, Plant Cultivars and Plant Density on Insects’ Populations and Yield of Sunflower Crop

The effect of plantation date, plant density, and plant varieties on the population of insects that attack sunflower plants and their predators were examined. Two plantation dates, two sunflower varieties (Giza102 and Sahka53), and two distances between the planting pits were taken in account. Numbers of Aphis gossypii showed significant differences between the two plantation dates of Sakha53 and Giza102 varieties, whereas those of Empoasca lybica only showed significant differences between the two plantation dates of Giza102 variety. Only numbers of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea exhibited significant differences between both dates of cultivation. In respect to March plantation, the distance of 25 cm had significantly higher numbers of Bemisia tabaci, Thrips tabaci, and E. lybica than 15cm for cultivation of Sakha 53 variety, whereas the distance did not affect the insects that harbored Giza 102 variety. In respect to June plantation, the distance of 15cm had significantly higher numbers of E. lybica than 25 cm for cultivation of Sakha 53 variety, whereas 25cm had higher numbers of A. gossypii and Icerya secyllarum than 15cm in Giza102 variety. In March plantation, Sakha53 variety harbored significant numbers of A. gossypii and T. tabaci compared with Giza 102, whereas in June plantation, it harbored significant numbers of E. lybica and I. secyllarum. In general, Sakha 53 variety seems to be a more sensitives sunflower host for insect infestation than Giza102, resulting in lower quantity of sunflower heads yielded by this variety. Chemical and morphological analyses support this finding.

Sunflower inflorescences absorb maximum light energy if\xa0they face east and afternoons are cloudier than mornings

The mature inflorescence of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) orients eastward after its anthesis (the flowering period, especially the maturing of the stamens), from which point it no longer tracks the Sun. Although several hypothetical explanations have been proposed for the ecological functions of this east facing, none have been tested. Here we propose an atmospheric-optical explanation. Using (i) astronomical data of the celestial motion of the Sun, (ii) meteorological data of diurnal cloudiness for Boone County located in the region from which domesticated sunflowers originate, (iii) time-dependent elevation angle of mature sunflower heads, and (iv) absorption spectra of the inflorescence and the back of heads, we computed the light energy absorbed separately by the inflorescence and the back between anthesis and senescence. We found that the inflorescences facing east absorb the maximum radiation, being advantageous for seed production and maturation, furthermore west facing would be more advantageous than south facing. The reason for these is that afternoons are cloudier than mornings in the cultivation areas of sunflowers. Since the photosynthesizing green back of mature heads absorbs maximal energy when the inflorescence faces west, maximizing the energy absorbed by the back cannot explain the east facing of inflorescences. The same results were obtained for central Italy and Hungary, where mornings are also less cloudy than afternoons. In contrast, in south Sweden, where mornings are cloudier than afternoons, west-facing mature inflorescences would absorb the maximum light energy. We suggest that the domesticated Helianthus annuus developed an easterly final orientation of its mature inflorescence, because it evolved in a region with cloudier afternoons.

Универсальный стенд для изучения процесса обмолота отдельных корзинок подсолнечника

While studying the designs of threshing devices and threshing methods, we revealed the main factors that have a significant effecting the threshing process. It has been established that the primary method of seeds threshing is blow with subsequent wiping. Deformation of sunflower heads makes the threshing process easy and reduces seeds damage. When working, all the threshing and separating devices, acting as control objects, are subject to external influences that are caused by numerous and diverse factors requiring constant monitoring and adjustment of the control system. Such factors are moisture, physical and mechanical properties and varietal qualities of the threshed crop. After analyzing the material of the review of copyright certificates and patents, we concluded the new thresher should perform the following operations: compression, vibration, wiping, and blow. The developed stand allows exploring all methods of sunflower heads threshing and studying the impact of each factor on the characteristics of the obtained seed material.

Rhizopus arrhizus (syn. R. oryzae) Causing Sunflower Head Rot in Hebei Province, China

<i>Rhizopus arrhizus</i> (syn. <i>R. oryzae</i>) Causing Sunflower Head Rot in Hebei Province, China

Ecological functions of bioindicators in anthropogenic landscapes

Environmental changes under the influence of anthropogenic factors are shown. Ecosystems accumulate toxic substances. A list of plants accumulating heavy metals is given. Using plants as indicators of toxicity, contaminated sites are determined and methods for restoring soil fertility are applied. The doses of introducing zeolite-containing clays together with phytoindicators are justified. The greatest sorption capacity was shown by the ragweed plant. As sorbents for restoring the environment and improving soil fertility, plant wastes, such as corn cobs, sunflower heads, are used. The studies were conducted in various soils of the North Caucasus. Measures to reduce the toxic load on the ecosystem were theoretically and practically justified. The maximum amount of toxic substances accumulates in ragweed. Indicator plants can be widely used in the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and other chemicals.

ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY APPROACHES FOR OPTIMIZATION OF PARAMETERS FOR AN AIR-JET SUNFLOWER SEEDS REMOVER MACHINE

An impingement jet method was employed for extracting of sunflower seeds from sunflower heads (SHs). The method was based on holding SHs with a rotating plate and extracting the sunflower seeds with the help of pressurized air-jets. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to model the effects of operational parameters of impingement air-jet on performance of preliminary model of the remover machine. The operational parameters were diameter of nozzle (ND), angle of impingement (AI), distance between nozzle outlet and sunflower head (DBNS), air pressure (AP) and rotational velocity of sunflower head (RV). The final ANN model, 3-5-1, successfully modeled the relationship between three operational parameters, ND, AI and RV with removing performance of machine (RPAJSSR) with R2of 0.98 and T value of 0.96. The RSM method was applied for three different locations of SHs at the optimum AP of 7 bar. The maximum value of RPAJSSR, (57%) was obtained for ND of 8 mm, AI of 30°, DBNS of 20 mm and RV of 10 rpm at side region of SH (SRSH). Also, the minimum value (4.49%) belonged to ND of 4 mm, AI of 30°, DBNS of 20 mm and RV of 15 rpm for central region of SH (CRSH).

Extraction of Low Methoxyl Pectin from Fresh Sunflower Heads by Subcritical Water Extraction.

Subcritical water extraction (SWE) of pectin from fresh sunflower heads was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for the maximum yield of pectin (6.57 ± 0.6%) were found to be a pressure of 8 bar, temperature of 120 °C, time of 20 min, and liquid–solid ratio (LSR) of 7 mL/g. The degree of esterification (DE) of pectin was analyzed by titrimetry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods, which was low methoxyl pectin. The molecular weight (Mw), galacturonic acid (GalA) content, and surface tension of pectin were 11.50 kDa, 82%, and 45.38 mN/m (1.5% w/v), respectively. Moreover, thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that pectin had excellent thermal stability. FTIR and 1H NMR spectra confirmed its structure. This study demonstrated that SWE could be used as a productive and environmentally friendly method for extracting pectin from fresh sunflower heads.

Sunflower head enzymatic hydrolysate relives hyperuricemia by inhibiting crucial proteins (xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase, uric acid transporter1) and restoring gut microbiota in mice

• Sunflower head enzymatic hydrolysate (SHEH) remarkably reduced uric acid level. • SHEH restored intestinal flora and reduced LPS. • Gut microbiota and LPS might be biomarkers for hyperuricemia treating. • SHEH with a lowered renal dysfunction was safer than allopurinol. To exploit an effective natural medicine for hyperuricemia, this research investigated the anti-hyperuricemic efficacy and mechanism of sunflower head enzymatic hydrolysate (SHEH). SHEH, the byproduct from sunflowers could significantly reduce serum uric acid (UA) level, which might cause by inhibition of SHEH on xanthine oxidase (XOD), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and uric acid transporters1 (URAT1). The three targets were crucial proteins to regulate production or excretion of UA. Besides, SHEH could reduce UA excretions and inflammation risk by restoring richness, uniformity and diversity of gut microbiota and remarkably decreasing the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Comparing to positive groups using allopurinol, the natural SHEH decreased the renal dysfunction resulting from hyperuricemia due to lower serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. This work promoted the use of the natural by-products on curing hyperuricemia and revealed the possible mechanism for SHEH to relieve hyperuricemia.

Оцінка ліній-відновників фертильності соняшнику за пилкоутворювальною здатністю та автофертильністю

An important link in solving the problems faced before the heterosis selection regarding the accelerated creation of high-yield sunflower hybrids and their introduction into the production is the development of new techniques for the self-pollinated lines selection that will allow purposeful selection of parent pairs for crossbreeding. The evaluation of sunflower lines according to pollen-forming ability will not only facilitate this selection, but also help to avoid the obviously low-yield crossbreeding combinations. The variation level of lines according to the number of flowers in the main sunflower head, the number of pollen grains in the main and lateral flower heads, the number of pollen grains from the central head, the diameter of the pollen grains and the weight of pollen from the main and central heads have been examined in the course of the research. Analysing the data it has been found that the maximum number of flowers in the sunflower head was observed in such lines as 07-13 (4956 pieces ); 07-39 (4680 pieces ); Х-526В (4488 pieces ); Х-134В (4476 pieces ) , and the minimum number of flowers was observed in the lines 07-3 (1188 pieces ); 07-47 (1284 pieces ); 730-07 (1368 pieces ). The following lines had the largest weight of 1000 seeds from the head: Х06129В (62.5 g ); 738-07 and Х-526В (62 g ) and Х06127В (60 g ). The lines Х-526В (27.24 g ); 738-07 (17.26 g ) and Х-135В (33.53 g ) also contained the maximum weight of seeds from the head . The maximum number of seeds from the head was observed in the lines Х-135В (721.14 pieces ); 07-11 (508.4 pieces ); 07-17 (507.32 pieces ); Х06118В (475.67 pieces ), and the minimum number was in the lines 757-07 (122.2 pieces ); Х-144В (135.12 pieces ); 748-07 (136.98 pieces ) and Х06129В (152.2 pieces ). The highest percentage of seed - setting rate was in the lines 07-47 (27.1 %); 07-3 (22.73 %); 07-74 (22.21 %); Х-135В (20.94 %), and the minimum one was in 757-07 (3.33 %); Х-397В (4.0 %); Х06129В (4.26 %) and Х-144В (4.56 %) lines. Thus, the results obtained from the study of self-fertilization and productivity of lines fully confirmed the literary data on the relationship between the yield capacity and the percentage of the seed-setting rate.

Extraction of sunflower head pectin with superfine grinding pretreatment

Effect of superfine grinding on pectin extraction was investigated. Sunflower heads were grinded into microparticles of ~50 μm, thus pectin chains were fully exposed due to cell wall breakdown. A good pectin yield of 14.5 ± 0.36% (w/w) was subsequently achieved at mild conditions (pH 5.0, 25 °C, 2 h) associated with 0.8% (w/v) sodium citrate (SC). However, the molecule weight of pectin was greatly reduced (Mw = 7.87 ± 0.21 kDa) due to the action of endo-pectinases. With heating (pH 5.0, 85 °C for 20 min, 25 °C for 1.5 h) the endo-pectinases were effectively inhibited, thus Mw was increased to 338.07 ± 12.37 kDa. With superfine grinding, pectin extracted with different conditions presented various properties. Pectin extracted at pH 2.5 had higher esterification degree (DE, ~40%) and gelled at 3% (w/v) concentration. In contrast, pectin extracted under mild condition with low DE (21%) cannot gel at the same concentration. Conclusively, superfine grinding has potential application in pectin extraction.