Sunflower Seed Research Articles

Pellets Obtained from the Husks of Sunflower Seeds and Beech Sawdust for Comparison

The energetic fossil resources of the world have decreased drastically in recent decades, and the quick and efficient solution to replace them is to use renewable biomass resources. This category also includes vegetable biomass, and within it, sunflower seed shells have an important contribution. The present work aimed to analyze the pellets obtained from the husks of sunflower seeds, as lignocellulosic biomass resulting from the production of edible oil, and for comparison, some pellets from beech sawdust were used. The main physical properties (such as moisture content, density, coefficient of densification, etc.), mechanical properties (such as shear strength) and calorific properties (high and low calorific value, calorific density, volatile content and ash content) were determined and statistically analyzed. As the main element of comparison of these types of pellets, the pellets obtained from beech sawdust were used. For the comparison of the pellets obtained from the husks of sunflower seeds, especially to observe their differences compared to the torrefied pellets, charcoal was chosen. The conclusions highlighted the fact that sunflower seed husks are an important source of biomass that can be used to obtain lignocellulosic pellets, and the torrefied pellets obtained from these husks are comparable with the energetic value of charcoal.

Lignosulfonate-Based Carbon-Supported Pellets Catalyst to Enhance Sustainable Biofuel Production from Waste Cooking Oil.

In this study, a cost-effective and stable heterogeneous acidic carbocatalyst (CZnLS950) derived from Na-lignosulfonate (LS), a side product of the paper industry, was employed to produce hydrocarbon fuels through the pyrolysis of waste cooking oil (WCO) and crude natural-oil extracted from sunflower seeds, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. To enhance its practicality in industrial settings, the catalyst was synthesized in pellet form, enabling easy separation from the biofuel produced during the reaction. CZnLS950 exhibited remarkable catalytic efficiency in the pyrolysis of WCO, resulting in a 71 wt. % liquid biofuel yield under mild conditions. This performance is attributed to the unique synthesis procedure of acidic carbocatalyst, which utilizes LS and nano ZnO (20 nm) to create a hierarchical pore structure with acidic properties (1.1 mmol of NH3 g-1). Stability and reusability of the carbocatalyst were evaluated, and the results showed excellent stability with small catalytic deactivation (~5 wt. %) after the fourth use. Attempts at distinct catalytic mechanisms for WCO and sunflower seeds crude natural-oil pyrolysis were provided to understand the processes involved in obtaining the two different biofuels produced. Overall, this study sets the stage for exploring Lignosulfonate-based materials to achieve renewable biofuel from recycling streams.

Exploring the Genetic Wealth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.): A Comprehensive Review on Its Products and By-Products

Sunflower stands out as a significant oilseed crop, pivotal not only in the production of edible oil and biofuels but also in the formulation of nutritious animal feed. Particularly noteworthy are the diverse opportunities presented by sunflower by-products. From the nutrient-rich sunflower oil cake to the versatile sunflower wax utilized in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the potential applications are manifold. Additionally, the burgeoning interest in sunflower-derived biofuels as sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources highlights the crop's growing importance in modern agriculture. However, to meet the evolving demands sustainably, an in-depth analysis of sunflower cultivation practices and nutrient management strategies for optimal productivity is imperative. This review provides a comprehensive overview of sunflower cultivation techniques, processing methods, and avenues for value addition across various sectors. Renowned for its vibrant flowers and seeds brimming with high-quality oil, sunflower holds a significant economic value. Its oil, rich in beneficial unsaturated fatty acids and essential vitamins, has garnered acclaim for its health benefits, including cholesterol reduction and cardiovascular health promotion. Thriving primarily in warm climates and exhibiting resilience to drought conditions, sunflowers have witnessed a surge in demand for their sprouts, roasted seeds, oil, and even agricultural tourism ventures. With sunflower seeds and oil serving as essential components in integrated production systems, the scope for creating diverse food and non-food products continues to expand. By offering this comprehensive synthesis, this review aims to guide stakeholders towards maximizing the utilization of sunflowers across multiple domains.

Evaluation of Alternative Sources of Proteins and Other Nutrients with Potential Applications in Fish Nutrition

The European Union’s (EU) agricultural self-sufficiency is challenged by its reliance on imported plant proteins, particularly soy from the Americas, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing the EU’s protein deficit, this study evaluates alternative protein sources for aquaculture, focusing on their nutritional value, elemental content, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Protein flours from gastropods (Helix pomatia, Arion lusitanicus, Arion vulgaris) and their hepatopancreas, along with plant-based proteins from food industry by-products (oilcakes, coffee grounds, spent brewer’s yeast), were analyzed. Results revealed that snail flour contained the highest protein content at 59.09%, significantly outperforming hepatopancreas flour at 42.26%. Plant-based proteins demonstrated substantial nutritional value, with coffee grounds flour exhibiting a remarkable protein content of 71.8% and spent brewer’s yeast flour at 57.9%. Elemental analysis indicated high levels of essential minerals such as magnesium in hepatopancreas flour (5719.10 mg/kg) and calcium in slug flour (48,640.11 mg/kg). However, cadmium levels in hepatopancreas flour (11.45 mg/kg) necessitate caution due to potential health risks. PAH concentrations were low across all samples, with the highest total PAH content observed in hepatopancreas flour at 0.0353 µg/kg, suggesting minimal risk of PAH-related toxicity. The analysis of plant-based protein sources, particularly oilcakes derived from sunflower, hemp, flax, and pumpkin seeds, revealed that these by-products not only exhibit high protein contents but present a promising avenue for enhancing the nutritional quality of feed. This study underscores the potential of utilizing gastropod and plant-based by-products as sustainable and nutritionally adequate alternatives to conventional feeds in aquaculture, contributing to the EU’s environmental sustainability goals.

Physiological quality of sunflower seeds under water stressed conditions

Water is one of the factors that most influences the seed germination process; however, its excess can cause injuries to cell membranes due to rapid imbibition. On the other hand, water restriction limits seed germination, promoting a reduction in cell water potential that disrupts physiological and metabolic reactions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of sunflower seeds subjected to water stress induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). The experimental design used was completely randomized, consisting of six treatments consisting of osmotic potentials (0; -0.3; -0.6; -0.9; -1.2; and -1.5 MPa) simulated with aqueous solutions of PEG 6000. Germination, radicle protrusion, first count, germination speed index, abnormal seedlings, shoot length, and root length were evaluated. Water stress induced by PEG 6000 solutions affects the physiological quality of sunflower seeds, being proportional to the reduction of osmotic potential. Germination and seed vigor decrease under water stress conditions from an osmotic potential of -0.4 MPa, with the most negative potentials (-1.2 and -1.5 MPa) preventing seed germination.

Evaluation of Sunflower Hybrids Variability in Response to Drought Stress: Implications for Oil and Protein Content Optimization

Oilseed crops are third most important for human being after cereals and sugars. Sunflower is a vital oilseed crop, which is grown globally for its oil purposes. Sunflower seeds are also the most important protein source. Sunflower contains two primary protein types: water-soluble albumins and salt-soluble globulins. The genotype plays a crucial role in determining the fatty acid composition of oil. However, environmental factors like water availability and temperature fluctuations during the grain-filling stage can also significantly impact on oil content. That’s why this study was aimed to investigate the impact of water deficit environments on seed yield and related traits of sunflower hybrids. In this study seven sunflower hybrids (SF-177, Pl-64 A 93, Hysun-33, Hysun-39, US-666, FSS-64 and Agsun-5264) were sown according to RCBD by using three replications. Data was recorded days taken to initiation of flowering, plant height, 1000 seed weight, oil content and protein content. Results showed that drought stress adversely affected all the parameters in this experiment, but some hybrids perform better for yield and oil content under drought conditions. Such as hybrid SF-177 and Hysun-39 represented least difference in 1000 achenes weight under normal and drought conditions. Hybrid FSS-64 (44.33%) and Hysun-33 (43.66%) showed highest oil content under drought conditions. While hybrid Agsun-5264 and Hysun-39 showed maximum protein content under drought stress.

4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid-Based Hydrazide-Hydrazones as Potent Growth Inhibition Agents of Laccase-Producing Phytopathogenic Fungi That Are Useful in the Protection of Oilseed Crops.

The research on new compounds against plant pathogens is still socially and economically important. It results from the increasing resistance of pests to plant protection products and the need to maintain high yields of crops, particularly oilseed crops used to manufacture edible and industrial oils and biofuels. We tested thirty-five semi-synthetic hydrazide-hydrazones with aromatic fragments of natural origin against phytopathogenic laccase-producing fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Cerrena unicolor. Among the investigated molecules previously identified as potent laccase inhibitors were also strong antifungal agents against the fungal species tested. The highest antifungal activity showed derivatives of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic aldehydes with 3-tert-butyl, phenyl, or isopropyl substituents. S. sclerotiorum appeared to be the most susceptible to the tested compounds, with the lowest IC50 values between 0.5 and 1.8 µg/mL. We applied two variants of phytotoxicity tests for representative crop seeds and selected hydrazide-hydrazones. Most tested molecules show no or low phytotoxic effect for flax and sunflower seeds. Moreover, a positive impact on seed germination infected with fungi was observed. With the potential for application, the cytotoxicity of the hydrazide-hydrazones of choice toward MCF-10A and BALB/3T3 cell lines was lower than that of the azoxystrobin fungicide tested.

Exploiting the Potential of Powdered Blends of Recovered Sunflower Seed Cake Phenolics and Whey-Development of Sustainable Food Additives.

The management of side streams from the food industry, especially oil and dairy by-products, has become an important issue linked to the European Commission's recommendations for a circular economy. This study aimed to obtain sustainable food additives in the form of soluble-type powders composed of whey and recovered phenolics originating from sunflower seed cake. In order to valorise these di-blend products, the powders were characterised in terms of their physical, chemical, and sensory attributes. Based on the study findings, the addition of sunflower seed cake washouts (SSCWs) to whey (Wh) decreased the dry matter in the feed that affected the viscosity and drying yield. The addition of SSCWs did not have a significant effect on the physical properties of powders, except for colour. By-product management proposed in the study resulted in the production of nutritious and ready-to-use products in powder form with improved functional properties in terms of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The powders were sensorially appealing with a tangy sourness entwined with a delicate interplay of sweet and salty flavours, which can be easily incorporated into different types of foodstuffs.

Training on Processing Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus annus L.) into Massage Oil

Massage treatment is part of traditional health services which can provide a stimulating and relaxing effect, improve the blood and lymph circulation system and strengthen other body systems, intended to improve health and fitness. Massage treatments generally use massage oil containing essential oils as aromatherapy. The use of essential oils in aromatherapy, especially through massage treatments, must be mixed with carrier oil in the form of vegetable oil such as sunflower seed oil. Pengalangan village is a sunflower agrotourism village with great sunflower potential but the results of sunflower cultivation are still less than optimal and are limited to sunflower seed food. Therefore, the team provides an Eco-preneurship solution with an effort to increase the selling value of the results of processing sunflower seeds in the form of oil to be processed into massage oil. This effort was carried out by providing material using the lecture method and continued with training in making massage oil for PKK cadres and village residents as participants. The end of this activity showed an increase in participants' knowledge by 16.8%, as well as an increase in participants' skills in making massage oil products independently.

Evaluation of shelf life of nanoparticles synthesized with different methods and its influence on root and shoot morphology of sunflower

Oilseeds play a crucial role in the national economy. To enhance their productivity, innovative approaches such as nano fertilizers are essential in the present-day context. The environmentally friendly synthesis approach was employed to produce stabilized nano sulphur using Simarouba glauca leaf extractant. The characterization of the nanoparticles involved identifying functional groups through various analytical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy, as well as examining the electronic properties of sulphur nanoparticles. Structural analysis of the sulphur nanoparticles revealed an orthorhombic configuration through Powder X-ray diffraction tests. In-depth examinations using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showcased particle sizes below 100 nm. In a laboratory experiment, sunflower seeds treated with 600 ppm green-synthesized nano sulphur demonstrated remarkable root morphology and achieved the highest root growth parameters, surpassing other concentration levels and control treatment. Importantly, the environmentally friendly synthesized nanoparticles exhibited longer stability and greater efficacy when compared to both chemically synthesized nanoparticles and conventional fertilizers.

Computing the effects of temperature and osmotic stress on the seed germination of Helianthus annuus L. by using a mathematical model

An extremely important oil crop in the world, Helianthus annuus L. is one of the world's most significant members of the Asteraceae family. The rate and extent of seed germination and agronomic features are consistently affecting by temperature (T) and changes in water potential (ψ). A broad hydrothermal time model with T and ψ components could explain sunflower responses over suboptimal T and ψ. A lab experiment was performed using the HTT model to discover both T and ψ and their interactive effects on sunflower germination and also to figure out the cardinal Ts values. The sunflower seeds were germinated at temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C); each Ts had five constant ψs of 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 MPa via PEG 6000 as osmotic stress inducer. The results revealed that highest germination index was found in seed grown at 20 °C in distilled water (0 MPa) and the lowest at 30 °C with osmotic stress of (− 1.2 MPa). The highest value of germination rate index was found in seed grown at 20 °C in distilled water (0 MPa) and the lowest at 15 °C with an osmotic stress of (− 1.2 MPa). In conclusion, water potential, temperature, and their interactions have a considerable impact on seed germination rate, and other metrics (GI, SVI-I, GRI, GE, SVI-II, and MGT). Seeds sown at 20 °C with zero water potential showed high germination metrics such as GE, GP, GRI, and T50%. The maximum value to TTsub noted at 30 °C in − 0.9 MPa osmotic stress and the minimum value was calculated at 15 °C in − 1.2 MPa osmotic stress. The result of TTsupra recorded highest at 15 °C in controlled group (0 MPa). Moreover, θH was highest at 30 °C in controlled condition (0 MPa) and minimum value was observed at 20 °C under − 1.2 MPa osmotic stress. The value of θHTT were maximum at 30 °C in controlled group (0 MPa) and minimum value was recorded at 15 °C under − 1.2 MPa osmotic potential. The base, optimum and ceiling temperatures for sunflower germination metrics in this experiment were noted 6.8, 20 and 30 °C respectively.

Influence of Sunflower Seed Husks Ash on the Structure Formation and Properties of Cement Concrete

The limitation of the application of non-renewable materials is one of the solutions to the problem of the sustainable evolution of civilization in the 21st century. Using additional binders in concrete obtained from plant waste will be economically and environmentally beneficial and will also allow us to move closer to achieving sustainable development goals. This study searches for rational composition components and a methodological approach regarding the technological characteristics to get the highest quality elements and prime concrete properties on the basis of sunflower seed husk ash (SSHA). Experimental concrete specimens were manufactured with partial Portland cement substitution with SSHA amounts ranging from 2% to 16% by weight in increments of 2%. This study focuses on investigating the density and workability of the concrete mixture, along with the compressive strength, concrete density, and water absorption. This article used granulometric, microscopic, and X-ray phase analysis methods. Including SSHA in all considered ranges reduces the slump in concrete mixtures. The optimal SSHA content in concrete is up to 12%. An 8% SSHA content has been found to deliver the most favorable mechanical characteristics of the concrete studied. The compressive strength of the investigated concrete has increased by 14.89%, and water absorption has decreased by 15.78%. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-05-08 Full Text: PDF

Diversity and Aggressiveness of the Diaporthe Species Complex on Sunflower in Serbia.

This study aimed to investigate the Diaporthe species associated with Phomopsis stem canker of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Serbia. The significant increase in sunflower and soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivation may have created the bridge favorable conditions for the distribution of Diaporthe species in this region. The present study identified five Diaporthe species on sunflower: D. gulyae, D. helianthi, D. pseudolongicolla, D. stewartii, and the newly identified D. riccionae based on morphological, molecular, and pathogenic characteristics. The research emphasizes the importance of effective inoculation methods and evaluates the aggressiveness of isolates. Sunflower plants were inoculated using the stem wound method, while seeds of sunflower and soybean were inoculated using the standard seed method. Most of the tested isolates demonstrated high aggressiveness, resulting in more than 80% premature wilting of sunflower plants. Additionally, this research examined the aggressiveness of Diaporthe species on sunflower seeds, highlighting D. stewartii and D. pseudolongicolla as common pathogens of both sunflower and soybean. The most aggressive species on seeds was D. stewartii, causing seed decay of up to 100% in sunflower and 97% in soybean. The findings suggest the development of resilient sunflower genotypes through breeding programs and the implementation of strategies to manage cross-contamination risks between sunflower and soybean crops. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the interactions between Diaporthe species and the seeds of sunflower and soybean. Future research will enhance our understanding of the impact of Diaporthe species on sunflower and soybean.

Relevance of creating a database of fatty acid composition and quality indicators of sunfl ower oil and seeds by varieties and regions of the Russian Federation .

Sunflower seeds are grown in 19 regions, territories, and republics of the country. The regions differ in climate and soil composition. As a result, typical sunflower oil differs from region to region depending on meteorological conditions. It is shown that the current GOST provides the fatty acid composition of the permissible values for the presence of a dominant fatty acid with intervals of 25.7; 15.7%; 28.7%. This is a sufficiently wide range to predict the same oxidative and different technological properties. Considering that sunflower is an object of international trade and domestic export, it seems an urgent task of expert examination and commodity science to create a Russian database of indicators of the composition and physical and chemical indicators of sunflower seeds grown in all Russian regions and sunflower oil produced by all oil-extracting enterprises of the country.

Formulation & Evaluation of Poly-Herbal Ointment

Abstract: Wound healing is a complex process of recovering the forms & functions of injured tissues. The process is tightly regulated by multiple growth factors & cytokines released at the wound site. Any alternations that disrupt the healing process would worsen the tissue damage and prolong repair process. Various conditions may contribute to impaired wound healing including infections underlying diseases and medications. Salves, or ointments, are topical products in which the herbs are extracted into vegetable oils by maceration at either room temperature for a specified length of time, in a low heat infusion or in a higher heat decoction. Numerous studies on the potential of natural products with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties as wound healing agents have been performed .Their medicinal properties can be contributed by the content of phytochemical constituents such as Azadirachta indica (Neem leaves),Triticum (wheats), Vitis vinifera(Grape seeds),Helianthus annus (sunflower seeds), Oryza sativa (brown rice)

Lower Left Lobectomy for Bronchial Dilation Revealing a Food Foreign Body (Sunflower Seed) about of an Observation

Inhalation of a food foreign body is a rare phenomenon in adults, it can be serious and life-threatening. We report the observation of a 37-year-old patient with chronic bronchitis for 10 years, without notion of ingestion of an obvious digestive foreign body but who presents a progressive worsening of her bronchorrhea becoming purulent associated with a single episode of hemoptysis of low abundance. Chest radiography revealed an alveolar type opacity with left paracardiac projection. The chest CT scan showed dilatation of the bronchi downstream of a lesion at the left lower lobar level. The flexible bronchoscopy showed a foreign body which is a sunflower seed obstructing the orifice of the left lower lobar bronchus with notion of regular consumption of Sunflower seeds for 20 years later found during interrogation. The extraction of the foreign body was carried out surgically or a lower lobectomy was carried out in connection with the failure of the endoscopic extraction and the patient benefited from antibiotic therapy and respiratory physiotherapy, as well as awareness raising in order to avoid subsequent penetration syndrome. The development was very favorable. Intrabronchial foreign bodies after failure of their extraction by bronchial endoscopy.

Allelopathy of the essential oil of Fortunella margarita (Lour.) Swingle) in the germination on Helianthus annuus L. and Hordeum vulgare L.

Fortunella margarita known as ‘Kin-Kan or kumquat orange’ is a citrus species cultivated in South America with excellent adaptation to different climates, especially tropical. The fruits of F. margarita have a spectacular essential oil content. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic action of essential oil from ripe fruits of F. margarita in different concentrations on two large crops, sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) in vitro. Ripe fruits of F. margarita were collected from an orchard in Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil in January 2024. The skin of the fruits was removed and crushed to obtain the essential oil by Clevenger. The essential oil content obtained was expressed as a percentage (%). For the chemical profile, gas chromatography with sequential mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used. For the allelopathic assay, varying concentrations of essential oil were produced. The allelopathic test was carried out in acrylic germination boxes and kept in a D.B.O. vegetation chamber. The results were expressed as percentage of germination µL mL-1. The radicle length was determined using a digital caliper and expressed in centimeters (cm). Seven major volatile compounds were obtained (D-Limonene 22%, β-Phellandrene 12%, β-Pinene 11%, Germacrene D 9%, Bicyclosexquiphellandrene 8%, Trans-Arbuscolene and α-Guaiene both with 5%). The essential oil demonstrated strong allelopathic activity on sunflower germination rates, especially for concentrations greater than 12.5-100 µL mL-1, between 54.40 and 12.80%. Barley seeds demonstrated resistance and a rate greater than 50% at the highest concentration (100 µL mL-1). Radicle length also showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in all essential oil concentrations. Again, sunflower was strongly affected, with average primary roots between 0.98 and 0.11 cm and between 2.77 and 0.11 cm for barley. The essential oil from the ripe fruits of Fortunella margarita has an allelopathic action on germination and a toxic effect on the development of primary roots in sunflower and barley seeds.

Modification of the GLITEROS diabetes-specific hospital enteral formula based on jicama flour and tempeh flour with the addition of sunflower seed flour

The diabetes-specific enteral formula is necessary to assist glycemic control for critically ill diabetic patients. The GLITEROS enteral formula is an innovative diabetes-specific hospital enteral formula made from local food, jicama flour and tempeh flour. However, the fat content in the GLITEROS enteral formula does not meet the fat requirements for a diabetes-specific enteral formula. Sunflower seeds are a good food source of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid which has antidiabetic effects. The addition of sunflower seeds to the GLITEROS enteral formula as a modification can optimize the lack of fat content. This study aimed to analyze the macronutrient content, dietary fiber, protein digestibility, and physical properties, including viscosity and osmolality of the modified GLITEROS enteral formula. This research was an experimental study with four formula groups, Formula A, B, C, and D, with different ratios of tempeh flour, jicama flour, and sunflower seed flour; (1:1:1), (1:1:2), (1:2:1), and (2:1:1). The variables of this study were energy density, calories, carbohydrates, fat, protein, dietary fiber, protein digestibility, viscosity, and osmolality were tested with three repetitions in duplicate. Data analysis used One-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Formula B had the highest density of energy, energy, fat, and dietary fiber compared to the four formulas. Meanwhile, Formula C had the highest protein content and digestibility value compared to other formulas. The highest viscosity and osmolality values were in formula A. Formula C was the most qualified formula in terms of macronutrient content, dietary fiber, protein digestibility, and physical properties of diabetes-specific enteral formulas according to the requirements of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)

Nondestructive Detection of Sunflower Seed Vigor and Moisture Content Based on Hyperspectral Imaging and Chemometrics.

Sunflower is an important crop, and the vitality and moisture content of sunflower seeds have an important influence on the sunflower's planting and yield. By employing hyperspectral technology, the spectral characteristics of sunflower seeds within the wavelength range of 384-1034 nm were carefully analyzed with the aim of achieving effective prediction of seed vitality and moisture content. Firstly, the original hyperspectral data were subjected to preprocessing techniques such as Savitzky-Golay smoothing, standard normal variable correction (SNV), and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) to effectively reduce noise interference, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data. Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and stacked autoencoders (SAE) were utilized to extract key feature bands, enhancing the interpretability and predictive performance of the data. During the modeling phase, random forests (RFs) and LightGBM algorithms were separately employed to construct classification models for seed vitality and prediction models for moisture content. The experimental results demonstrated that the SG-SAE-LightGBM model exhibited outstanding performance in the classification task of sunflower seed vitality, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.65%. Meanwhile, the SNV-XGBoost-LightGBM model showed remarkable achievement in moisture content prediction, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9715 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.8349. In conclusion, this study confirms that the fusion of hyperspectral technology and multivariate data analysis algorithms enables the accurate and rapid assessment of sunflower seed vitality and moisture content, providing robust tools and theoretical support for seed quality evaluation and agricultural production practices. Furthermore, this research not only expands the application of hyperspectral technology in unraveling the intrinsic vitality characteristics of sunflower seeds but also possesses significant theoretical and practical value.

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.