Sunflower Oil Content Research Articles

Effects of potassium and boron fertilization on sunflower yield, oil content, and quality

Effects of potassium and boron fertilization on sunflower yield, oil content, and quality

Applied AMT machine learning and multi-objective optimization for enhanced performance and reduced environmental impact of sunflower oil biodiesel in compression ignition engine

Biodiesel has emerged as a compelling substitute for conventional diesel fuel, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for fueling compression ignition engines. This comprehensive study investigates the influence of biodiesel, specifically derived from sunflower oil, through the esterification method, on crucial engine performance parameters and environmental effects. The study examines the impact of varying engine torque on the performance of a single-cylinder, four-stroke compression ignition engine, encompassing parameters such as brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), as well as exhaust emissions, including unburned hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Four distinct biodiesel blends (B10, B20, B30, B40) with varying sunflower oil content are systematically compared to pure diesel (B0). The engine operates at a consistent speed of 1700 rpm, while the torque undergoes controlled adjustments from 0 to 10 Nm. Subsequently, this study explores the application of an alternating model tree (AMT) machine learning algorithm to establish relationships between independent factors, specifically torque and biodiesel volume (%vol), and dependent variables, including BTE, BSFC, CO, and NOx in a combustion engine. Additionally, the study employs a multi-objective ameliorative whale optimization algorithm (AWOA) to optimize the model's output. The objective is to identify optimal values for torque and%vol that maximize engine performance (BTE) while minimizing engine emissions (CO and NOx) and reducing fuel consumption (BSFC). The optimization process yields noteworthy results, with AWOA achieving peak BTE at 29.714 %, BSFC at 0.262 kg.kWh-1, and NOx emissions at 992 ppm at torque 7.3 N.m and 13% vol. In contrast, particle swarm optimization (PSO) secured the minimum CO level at 0.123 %, with torque set at 7.6 N.m and 26% vol. The AMT models demonstrate high prediction accuracy, with coefficient of determination (R2) values exceeding 0.98.

Effect of Micronutrients on Incidence, Damage Severity of Sucking Insect Pests of Sunflower and its Impact on Yield and other Arthropods

An experiment was conducted in a field on 23074/N latitude and 90035/E longitude at the central farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 2021 to April 2022. The experiment of eight treatments as follows: T1 = Urea @ 210 gm/plot + TSP @ 84gm/plot + MoP @ 98gm/plot [recommended doses (RD) of Urea, TSP and MoP] +Boron @ 7.0 gm/ Plot+ ZnSo4 @ 8.4 gm/ Plot ;T2 = RD of Urea, TSP and MoP +Spraying 0.2% Borax @ 2gm/ L of water; T3= RD of Urea, TSP and MoP +Spraying 0.2% ZnSo4 @ 2gm/ L of water; T4= RD of Urea, TSP and MoP +Spraying 0.5% Borax @ 5gm/ L of water; T5 RD of Urea, TSP and MoP +Spraying 0.2% Borax + 0.2% ZnSo4 @ 2gm/ L of water; T6 = Urea @ 210 gm/plot+ TSP @ 180 gm/plot+ MoP @ 150gm/plot + Spraying 0.5% ZnSo4 @ 5gm/ L of water; T7 = Urea @ 210 gm/plot+ TSP @ 180gm/plot+ MoP @ 150gm/plot+ MgSo4 @ 12 gm/ Plot and T 8= control. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 8 treatments and 3 replications. The overall result indicates that the combination of different micronutrients decreased the incidence of sucking insect pests of sunflower and increased the abundance of beneficial arthropods compared to T8 treatment. In T1 treatment, the lowest leaf infestation percentage caused by aphid 17.49 and 19.50 %; Jassid 14.19 and 14.89 % and White fly 26.18 and 30.83 % at the vegetative and reproductive stages respectively. The highest number of beneficial arthropods per plot of lady bird beetle both adults and grubs ((3.63 and 5.53 respectively); honey bee (22.36), ant (3.55), spider (1.42) was also recorded in T1 treatment. The highest yield contributing characters of sunflower, the highest of head/ capitulam diameter (9.75cm), height of plant per plot (179.73 cm), leaf width (14.24 cm), leaf length (21.05 cm), area of leaves per plant (62.29 cm) and number of leaf per plant (21.93), number of total head per plot (29.83), number of seed per head (725.56), weight of single seed (1.03 mg), and weight of seed per head (54.96 gm) of sunflower were observed in T1 treatment which was statistically different from among all other treatments. The highest sunflower yield (1.92 kg /plot) and oil content (0.93 liter/2kg and 46.5%) were also observed from T1 treatment. Among the different micronutrient treatment combinations, different micronutrients using in T1 treatment were more effective for the reducing the incidence of sucking insect pests on sunflower. In the term of effect of micronutrients, T1= Recommended doses of Urea, TSP and MoP + Boron @ 7.0 gm/ Plot+ ZnSo4 @ 8.4 gm/ Plot; was an eco-friendly pest management practice for sunflower by which one can significantly reduce pest infestation without use of any chemical insecticides.

Sunflower grain yield and oil content affected by zinc fertilization and genotype in drought stress conditions

ContextDrought stress is a major environmental factor limiting sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) growth and productivity, worldwide. Although there has been research on the use of zinc (Zn) to alleviate drought stress in sunflower, more has yet to be indicated on how Zn may affect sunflower yield and biochemical properties in drought stress conditions as the objective of the present research. MethodsThe field experiment was a split plot on the basis of a complete randomized block design with 18 treatments and 3 replicates conducted in the province of Fars, Iran, in 2018. The experimental treatments of drought (main plots) including irrigating at 70 (control, S1), 105 (mild, S2) and 140 mm (severe, S3) evaporation from the evaporation pan and the sub plots (factorial arrangement) of sunflower genotypes (Shams and Barzegar) and Zn fertilizer (ZnSO4) at 0, 40 and 70 kgha−1 were tested. Different sunflower, growth, yield and biochemical parameters were determined. ResultsStress significantly affected leaf area index (LAI), tray diameter (TD), grain weight (GW), infertile seeds (I), water use efficiency (WUE) and proline (Pr), and genotype was significant on LAI, TD, number of grains per tray (NGT), GW, WUE, and grain protein (PP). However, Zn significantly increased LAI, PP, GW and WUE by 50, 5.9, 35 and 32 %, respectively. ConclusionZn fertilization can alleviate the unfavourable effects of drought stress on sunflower yield and biochemical properties by improving plant growth (LAI), yield (grain weight), and physiology (water use efficiency and protein percentage), and genotype is a determining factor.

Studies of Molecular Marker in Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Helianthus annus L., known as sunflower, is belong to Asteraceae family. This family is one of the biggest angiosperm plant families in between dicotyledons and cultivated sunflower is an important oil plant all around the world. Chloroplast DNA analysis reveals that the origin of the genus dates back to 4.75 to 22.7 million years ago. Sunflower seeds contain 18% protein, 15% cellulose, 9% water, 14% minerals and carbohydrates. In general, sunflower seeds contain 35% to 50% oil by weight. The oil content of sunflower had been specified from 36.9% to 50.2%. These features have made sunflower an important plant worldwide. In principle, the breeding of sunflowers aims to improve the oil content and to get a plant resistant to disease. All breeding methods both classical and biotechnological methods try to contribute these aims. With the help of technology DNA markers have provided useful information about polymorphism, genetic relatedness, and diversity. Technology advances in breeding, especially the use of molecular markers, offer new strategies to obtain high-yielding and resistant plants through DNA sequences located at a known location on the chromosome. Sunflower has been a model plant in Asteraceae family in molecular marker studies because of its economic importance. Many molecular marker studies have been conducted against biotic and abiotic stress conditions, increase oil content and nutritional value, and water consumption etc. Considering its economic value, current studies on the plant will shed light on future studies and improvements can be observed in many yield criteria such as water consumption, harvest efficiency, resistance to pests.

Relações lineares em genótipos de girassol no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) is the third largest sunflower producer in Brazil. This study verified the existence of linear relationships between grain yield, oil content, and oil yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes evaluated in RS. The data on grain yield (GY), oil content (OC), and oil yield (OY) were obtained from 73 sunflower cultivar trials in 21 municipalities in RS from 1999 to 2018. Scatter diagrams were createdto investigate the relationships between the variables GY, OC, and OY. Then, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient (r) was calculated between the variables, and the Student’s t-test was performed at a 5% significance level. There is a positive and significant linear relationship between PG and OY. However, no linear relationship was found between grain yield and oil content in sunflower genotypes. Additionally, a positive linear association of high magnitude (r = 0.9672) was observed between grain yield and oil yield, while a low magnitude (r = 0.2245) was found between oil content and oil yield.

Sunflower grain quality as affected by sulphur added to nitrogen fertilizer under different planting seasons

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of sulphur added to nitrogen fertilizer on sunflower grain quality under different planting seasons. This study was executed in the 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 planting seasons at Molelwane farm, North-West Province, South Africa. The experiment was a 5x2 factorial fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Two sunflower cultivars (PAN7057 and AGSUN8251) were planted. The five fertilizer combinations used were 30S kg/ha + 120N kg/ha, 30S kg/ha + 180N kg/ha, 60S kg/ha + 120N kg/ha, 60S kg/ha + 180N kg/ha and a control. The quality parameters measured included oil, protein, crude fibre, starch, and ash content. Planting season had no significant effect (p>0.05) on grain oil content. However, planting season had a significant effect (p<0.05) on grain protein content. Sunflower planted during the first and third planting seasons (2020/21 and 2022/23) produced a significantly higher protein content. Sulphur/nitrogen rate had a significant effect (p<0.05) on sunflower oil and protein content. Sunflower treated with sulphur/nitrogen rates of S30+N180 and S60+N120 kg/ha produced a significantly high oil and protein content. Sunflower treated with sulphur/nitrogen rates of S60+N180 kg/ha also produced a significantly high protein content. The results of this study suggest that variations in climatic conditions during planting seasons affect sunflower quality parameters. A sunflower cultivar PAN7057 showed an increase on the performance in terms of grain quality parameters. In this study, sulphur/nitrogen fertilizer rates of S60+N120 and S60+N180 kg/ha are considered effective in promoting sunflower grain quality performance.

Creating a new biocatalytic complex with extremolipases and biocompatible ionic liquids for improved transesterification reactions

The ongoing energy crisis has spurred increased research into sustainable and more competitive methods for producing biofuels, including biodiesel. In this context, the focus of the current study is to underscore the viability of investing in a novel biocatalytic complex. This complex incorporates extremophilic lipases and biocompatible ionic liquids with the aim of achieving exceptionally high conversions in transesterification reactions without generating glycerol. Through a meticulous screening process encompassing various amino acid and dipeptide-based ionic liquids from the ammonium family, cholinium glycinate turned out to be the optimal choice. This selection was driven not only by its enhanced compatibility with a commercially available Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB) but also with extremophilic enzymes synthesized in-house, derived from halophilic (Halomonas spLM1C) and thermophilic (Thermus thermophilus HB27) strains. Following rigorous testing of both free and immobilized enzymes, the ideal concentration of the ionic liquid in transesterification reactions was determined to be 1% relative to the sunflower oil content. Comparative analysis of conversion rates between immobilized thermophilic lipase and immobilized CaLB revealed the efficacy of the proposed approach. Maximum conversions were found to increase by 20%, with specific conversion rates soaring by approximately 180% when utilizing the immobilized thermophilic lipase. In conclusion, this research ushers in new prospects for advancing the competitiveness of biocatalytic solutions in glycerol-free transesterification reactions, underscoring its potential to revolutionize the landscape of sustainable energy production.

Nutritional effect of zinc and boron on growth, yield and oil content of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The experiment was conducted to assess the impactofZn and B application on sunflower growth, yield and oil content in sub-tropical condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with twelve treatmentsand replicated thrice. The treatments comprised viz; T1: Without fertilizers (absolute control), T2: RDF (N80P40K40), T3: N80P40K40Zn0.5%, T4: N80P40K40Zn4, T5: N80P40K40B0.2%, T6: N80P40K40B2, T7:N80P40K40Zn0.5%B0.2%,T8: N80P40K40Zn4B2, T9:N80P40K40Zn4Zn0.5%, T10: N80P40K40Zn4B0.2%, T11: N80P40K40B2B0.2%, T12: N80P40K40B2Zn0.5%.From the experimental results recorded it can be concluded that the growth and yield components of the tested crop were significantly influenced by the application of micronutrients as compared to the control (without fertilizer) and recommended dose of fertilizer alone. Among the treatmentsapplication of N80P40K40Zn4B2foundhigher diameter of capitulum (17.72 cm), number of seeds per capitulum (763), seed weight per capitulum(48.98 g), seed yield (2563 kg/ha) and oil yield (1097 kg/ha) of hybrid sunflower (variety KBSH 78) accounting 35.49%,43.25%, 26.66%, 46.50% and 51.32% more than control.

The Critical Period of Weed Control Influences Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Yield, Yield Components but Not Oil Content

Field studies were conducted in the northeastern part of the Republic of Croatia to determine the influence of the critical period of weed interference on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) yield, yield components, and oil content. For this purpose, different durations of competition were established, allowing weeds to infest the crop for increasing periods of time after planting or maintaining plots weed-free for increasing periods of time after planting. The beginning and the end of the critical period of weed control (CPWC), based on a 5% and 10% loss of sunflower yield, were determined by fitting the four-parameter log-logistic equations to the relative seed yield. The total weed biomass increased progressively in relation to the increase in the competition. The beginning of the CPWC period, based on a 5% acceptable yield loss, ranged from 141 to 234 growing degree days (GDD), which corresponded to the two-to-four true leaf development stage (the V2–V4 growth stages) across both sites and years. The crop had to be kept weed-free until a period when sunflower inflorescence began to open and flower (the R4–R5 growth stage) or from 1365 to 1932 GDD. The sunflower yield and yield components varied between the years and among locations. An increasing duration of weed interference negatively affected crop height, head diameter, and 1000-kernel weight, but not seed oil content.

Optimization Extraction of Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annus) Using Factorial Design Experiment with Soxhlation Method

Sunflower seed oil is one type of vegetable oil whose growth is still in its early stages in Indonesia. Due to a shortage of domestic availability, several edible oil enterprises in Indonesia still need to import a significant amount of sunflower seed oil. Rukmana (2004) states that the content of sunflower oil's content ranges from 23 to 45%. 11.7% oleic acid and 44-72% linoleic acid are both present in sunflower oil. The goal of this study was to identify the best process factors in light of the obtained oil yield. This study's used Fractional Design Experiment 23 with Quicker Method analysis. The results showed that the optimal operating conditions were an extraction time of 185 min, temperature of 60 ℃, and material-solvent ratio of (R) of 1:6, yielding an oil of 51.6%.

Profiling and geographical distribution of seed oil content of sunflower in Ukraine

The sunflower has the potential to be a highly competitive crop owing to its diversity market and the valuable oil it produces. Nevertheless, the amount of sunflower seed oil – a key factor for the crushing industry – is affected by genotype and environment, which sometimes is difficult to predict. The paper analyzes the theoretical principles of sunflower growth in Ukraine, highlights the current trends in the sowing of this crop, the influence of climatic factors of the environment on the prospects of the oilseed sunflower yield. The results of the research are presented for 3 years (2014–2016), during the authors conducted a grain quality observatory at the regional level, taking into account the climatic conditions of sunflower growth in different natural zones of Ukraine (from 45° to 51° north latitude and from 22° to 37° east longitude). Additionally, the research includes the coefficient of significance of the deviation from long-term climatic indicators, which makes it possible to forecast sunflower yield in the future. The analyzed data was obtained from the commercial fields with a minimum area of 40 ​ha in all Ukrainian regions except Crimea peninsula, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The results obtained in research show the great diversity of oil content index as per both latitude and longitude meaning. If we consider the entire country, this survey shows that the seed oil content can change dramatically from year to year: e.g. 47.5% in one year versus 45.7% in another year. Regionally, these changes have a completely different dynamic with a gradual decrease in seed oil content in the southern part of the country. The main goal of the research was to identify the best sunflower growing areas in Ukraine according to the oil content index.

3D DEM model simulation of asphalt mastics with sunflower oil

A three-dimensional particle model, based on the asphalt mastic micro-structure representation following a discrete element model framework, was developed to investigate the influence of sunflower oil (rejuvenator) on the rheological properties of asphalt mastic. Dynamic shear rheometer tests in laboratory, for a frequency range of 0.1–20 Hz and temperatures in a range between 20 and 80 ^{circ }C, were carried out in order to assess the viscoelastic behaviour of asphalt mastics containing different oil-to-bitumen content by mass proportions (2.5–20%). Master curves were constructed for two reference temperatures (30 ^{circ }C and 50 ^{circ }C). Experimental results showed that the increase in sunflower oil content resulted in a progressive decrease in viscosity. However, the rheological behaviour of the mastic containing the highest oil amount could not be properly represented in master curves, indicating that the specimen had a different rheological behaviour when compared with the lower oil contents responses. Numerical simulations of rheometer tests were carried out with an asphalt mastic particle assembly that emulated the experimental procedure. The viscoelastic contacts within the asphalt mastic assembly were simulated with a generalized Kelvin contact model. A calibration procedure was derived based on the fitting of laboratory data. The simulations were shown to have a good agreement with laboratory values. The average errors for the dynamic shear modulus and phase angle were 3.4% and 4.0%, respectively, considering both temperatures of analysis. Finally, a considerable improvement was accomplished in comparison with the numerical response obtained with the often-used Burgers model.

Influence of Vermicompost and Chemical Fertilizers On Macronutrients Content in Different Organs and Oil Content in Seeds of Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.)

Effects of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the concentration and uptake of NPKS in different organs as well as well as oil content of sunflower (cv. BARI-2) were evaluated. The experiment consisted of 16 treatments, viz.: VC1 Control, VC2, VC3, VC4, VC5, VC6, VC7, VC8, VC9, VC10, VC11, VC12, VC13, VC14, VC15 and VC16. Results showed that the concentration, uptake of macronutrients (NPKS) and oil content of seeds of the crop increased significantly (P< 0.05) with increasing rate of the amendments over the control in most of the cases. Combination of the treatments showed better performance than their individual application. Maximum values of NPKS concentration in different organs of sunflower were 0.42, 0.23, 1.95 and 0.12% for stem., 0.57, 0.33, 2.66 and 0.20% for root., 2.61, 0.42, 2.77 and 0.19% for leaf., 2.30, 0.65, 2.65 and 0.20% for petiole., 0.76, 0.71, 2.21and 0.26% for inflorescence and 4.86, 0.69, 1.08 and 0.16% for seed were recorded in treatments 5t VC ha-1 +N120P90K150 kg ha-1 and 7.5t VC ha-1 +N120P90K150 kg ha-1, respectively in most of the cases. Significantly (P < 0.05%) the highest content of oil (46.9%) in seed was found in the treatment 7.5t VC ha-1 +N80P60K100 kg ha-1. The overall findings of this study indicated that vermicompost in combination with chemical fertilizers could be applied to achieve better yield of sunflower in the costal belt of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(1): 149-157, 2023 (March)

Optimised Sunflower Oil Content for Encapsulation by Vibrating Technology as a Rejuvenating Solution for Asphalt Self-Healing.

This study aimed to determine an optimal dosage of sunflower oil (i.e., Virgin Cooking Oil, VCO) as a rejuvenator for asphalt self-healing purposes, evaluating its effect on the chemical (carbonyl, and sulfoxide functional groups), physical (penetration, softening point, and viscosity), and rheological (dynamic shear modulus, and phase angle) properties of long-term aged (LTA) bitumen. Five concentrations of sunflower oil (VCO) were used: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% vol. of LTA bitumen. VCO was encapsulated in alginate biopolymer under vibrating jet technology using three biopolymer:oil (B:O) mass ratios: 1:1, 1:5, and 1:9. The physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the capsules were studied, as well as their effect on the physical properties of dense asphalt mixtures. The main results showed that an optimal VCO content of 4% vol. restored the chemical, physical, and rheological properties of LTA bitumen to a short-term ageing (STA) level. VCO capsules with B:O ratios of 1:5 presented good thermal and mechanical stability, with high encapsulation efficiency. Depending on the B:O ratio, the VCO capsule dosage to rejuvenate LTA bitumen and asphalt mixtures varied between 5.03-15.3% wt. and 0.24-0.74% wt., respectively. Finally, the capsule morphology significantly influenced the bulk density of the asphalt mixtures.

Influence of Mineral Fertilizers and Methods of Basic Tillage on the Yield and Oil Content of Sunflower

Influence of Mineral Fertilizers and Methods of Basic Tillage on the Yield and Oil Content of Sunflower

Influence of Cow Dung and Npk Fertilizers on Macronutrients and Oil Content of Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.)

A field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Charfasson Govt. College, Bhola, Bangladesh in rabi season in 2015-2016 to evaluate the effects of cow dung (CD) with and without NPK fertilizers to estimate the concentration, uptake and oil content of sunflower cv. BARI-2 (Keroni-2). It was laid out in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) having sixteen treatments with three replications and plot size was 3m×2m. Treatments were T1: Control (- CD and -NPK), T2: 2.5t CD ha-1, T3: 5t CD ha-1, T4: 7.5t CD ha-1, T5: N40P30K50kg ha-1, T6: N80P60K100kg ha-1, T7: N120P90K150kg ha-1, T8: 2.5t CD ha-1 +N40P30K50kg ha-1, T9: 2.5t CD ha-1+N80P60K100kg ha-1, T10: 2.5t CD ha-1+N120P90K150kg ha-1, T11: 5t CD ha-1+ N40P30K50kg ha-1, T12: 5t CD ha-1+N80P60K100kg ha-1, T13: 5t CD ha-1 +N120P90K150kg ha-1, T14:7.5t CD ha-1+N40P30K50kg ha-1, T15:7.5t CD ha-1+N80P60K100kg ha-1 and T16: 7.5t CD ha-1+N120P90K150kg ha-1. Sixty plants were grown in each plot for 90 days. Maximum values of NPKS concentration (%) in different organs of sunflower were 1.08, 0.38, 2.04, 0.18 for root; 1.33, 0.33, 1.85, 0.19 for stem; 3.45, 0.67, 4.12, 0.18 for leaf; 1.99, 0.62, 3.0, 0.22 for petiole; 0.73, 0.68, 2.25, 0.23 for inflorescence, and 4.95, 0.94, 0.75, 0.26 for seed measured in combined treatments of 5t CD ha-1 + N120P90K150kg ha-1 and 7.5t CD ha-1 + N120P90K150kg ha-1 in most of the cases. The uptake pattern also followed the same trend as in concentration. The lowest concentration and uptake of NPKS were recorded in control (-CD and -NPK). The highest content of oil in seed (51.8%) was extracted from the treatment 5t CD ha-1+ N120P90K150kg ha-1 and the lowest value (35.6%) was in treatment 5t CD ha-1+ N80P60K100kg ha-1 which was lower than control. The findings of this study indicated that cow dung in combination with chemical fertilizers enhanced the concentration and uptake of NPKS and oil content in seeds of sunflower. The dose 5t CD ha-1 +N120P90K150kg ha-1 can be suggested to produce maximum oil. Study generated an information for the concern people for future research. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(2): 51-60

Развитие производства и влияние региональных факторов на технологические параметры качества семян и масла подсолнечника

2020 in Russia. A correlation and regression analysis of the relationship between the indicators of sunflower seed production in the Russian Federation and a number of related data for the period 1945-2020 was performed. The analysis of the structure of production and consumption of sunflower oil in the Russian Federation is given. The purpose of the study is to study the stages of production development and the influence of regional factors on the technological parameters of the quality of sunflower seeds and oil. It is shown that the yield of sunflower seeds in most cases strongly influenced the gross harvest of sunflower seeds, while the correlation coefficient exceeded 0.7. With the exception of the period when 2.1-4.0 million tons of sunflower seeds were obtained, which may be due in some cases to adverse weather conditions and violations of cultivation technologies. The oil content in sunflower seeds depends on its content in the kernel and the amount of husk. The higher the oil content in the kernel and the lower the percentage of husk, the sunflower seeds have a rich oil content. The density of crops also affects the oil content of sunflower. Dense sowing, within certain climatic and weather conditions, contributes to an increase in the oil content in seeds. The health benefits and nutritional value of sunflower oil are due to its fatty acid composition, namely the content of unsaturated fatty acids. The content of fatty acids in various varieties of sunflower oil, including from the raw materials of the Ural region, the nutritional value of vegetable oil, the prospects for the production of vegetable oil in the Russian Federation were studied. The study of the fatty acid composition of vegetable oils was carried out on the basis of the Unified Laboratory Complex of the Ural State University of Economics. The quality assessment was carried out by chromatographic method using generally accepted techniques. It was found that the content of unsaturated fatty acids in triglycerides exceeded the content of saturated acids. Thus, for polyunsaturated fatty acids, sunflower oil of direct extraction (88.80% by weight) has a higher content, while unrefined sunflower oil has a slight deviation (88.72% by weight), flaxseed (88.49% by weight), which characterizes a high nutritional value. Thus, according to the content of linolenic acid, the highest content (61.10% by weight) was found in sunflower oil of direct extraction. Rapeseed oil is inferior to other types of oil in terms of unsaturated fatty acids (76.42% by weight). The problem of raw material quality depends on many factors, namely humidity, oil content, acidity of seeds plays an important role here. Yield depends on weather conditions, availability of zoned varieties, agrotechnical techniques. Sunflower cultivation in the Urals has its own peculiarities related to the climate and soil conditions of the region. Therefore, in order to obtain a high yield, it is necessary to choose specially adapted varieties of this crop.

Effect of Combined Application of Non–Nano and Nano Fertilizers on the Growth, Yield and Oil Content of Sunflower under Semi-arid Conditions

Field experiment was conducted at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad during early summer season in 2021 and 2022 to study the “Effect of integrated use of Nano and Non–Nano fertilizers on the growth and yield of sunflower under semi-arid conditions”. The experiment was carried out using randomized block design with 3 replications and comprised of 12 treatments. The averages of all study indicators were compared according to L.S.D test at a probability level of 0.05. Results revealed that application of conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose (75:90:30 kg/ha) along with foliar application of nano (19:19:19) N P K at 0.2% at 30 DAS and 60 DAS + nano boron at 0.2 % at ray floret opening stage (T7) recorded highest plant height (195,197 and196 cm), number of leaves (27.43, 28.12 and 27.78), leaf area (7632, 7665 and 7649 cm2 plant-1), leaf area index (LAI) (4.24 4.25 and 4.25), and dry matter production (98.96, 97.64 and 98.30 g/plant) at 90 DAS in both the years and on mean basis. However, treatment T7 was statistically on par with the treatment T9 - Conventional fertilizers 50% as per recommended dose + nano (19:19:19) N P K at 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS and nano boron at ray floret opening stage. Seed yield (1961,1915 and 1938 kg/ha), stalk yield (4193, 3918 and 4055 kg/ha) were also significantly influenced during both the years respectively with the treatment (T7) was statistically on par with the treatment T9. Lowest seed yield (758, 710 and 734 kg/ ha) and stalk yield (1684, 1702 and 1693 kg/ ha) and oil content (40.73 %, 39.67% & 40.20) was recorded with the control in both the years and on mean basis.

Exploring Zinc and Boron Chemo-Priming Effects on Low-Vigour Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Poor germination and suboptimal seedling growth constitute as prime factors in lowering the achene yield and seed oil content of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), while chemo-priming with micronutrients might serve as a biological viable strategy provided source and dose optimization are performed. A trial was executed to appraise the comparative impact of seed priming with different doses of micronutrients like boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on sunflower germination and seedling growth traits of sunflower. The experiment was comprised of six treatments of B (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.20 ppm) and Zn (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mM) each, while seed germination, root and seedling growth related traits were taken as experimental variables. The results revealed that all treatments remained ineffective regarding seed germination and seed vigour of sunflower, while B and Zn doses of 0.2 ppm and 12 mM respectively, enhanced seedling emergence rate and vigour. The Zn (8 mM) significantly improved root length along with their fresh and dry weights, while all doses of B imparted antagonistic effects on root attributes. Likewise, Zn (8 mM) remained superior for shoot length, fresh and dry weights, while higher doses of B remained contra-productive for shoot growth of sunflower.