Oil content and fatty acid profile of exotic sunflower (Helianthus annuus) germplasm.

A total of 167 samples of sunflower (Helianthus nnnuzrs L.) genotypes, introduced from France were grown during winter season (rabi) 2002-03 and mbi 2003-04 at the farm of NBPGR, New Delhi, and evaluated for seed oil content. Promising lines, with more than 40% oil content in seed were identified. Fatty acid profile of oil were analysed to study the range and mean values of individual fatty acids. Relationship among the fatly acids, as well as between oil and fatty acids were established. High oleic acid containing lines were screened for use in identified sectors. Degree of unsaturation of the oil in terms of iodine value were calculated from the contents of oleic and linoleic acid and compared with literature cited vaIues for understanding the quality of exotic sunflower oil.