Effect of different seasons on accumulation of oil and fatty acid content in sunflower (Helianthus annuss) germplasm accessions

Abstract

To know the effect of seasons on seed yield, oil content and fatty acid accumulation in sunflower, a field experiment was conducted with 33 sunflower germplasm accessions comprising hybrids, CMS-lines, RHA-lines and inbreds. Significant and positive correlation was recorded for days to flowering, total dry matter (TDM) and total leaf area when compared between two seasons. A linear curve was obtained for seed yield, 100 achene weight and seed volume. CMS lines were most affected by season since they showed 40 percent reduction in the yield and the per cent reduction was less in inbreds. A very strong linear curve was obtained for test weight, TDM, harvest index and kernel to husk ratio. Oleic acid was significantly affected by both the seasons. Around 28 sunflower genotypes in our study produced higher oleic acid content in rabi than in kharif. For oil content non-significant differences were obtained though most of the genotypes were affected by high temperature during harvesting in rabi/summer.