The Impact of Climatic Conditions on Oil Content and Quality, in Sunflower

Abstract

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crop is grown worldwide, under a range of agro-environments. This crop is primarily grown for its edible oil but also for its achenes (confectionery types), both commonly used in human food. With ongoing climate change, sunflower, as a spring crop, could be more exposed to the direct effect of heat stress and to different drought scenarios, resulting in severe yield losses, oil content decrease and alteration of fatty acids composition. The oil concentration in sunflower (whether linoleic or oleic varieties) is valued above the contribution of genotype, of environment but also of the crop management. In our study, with different sunflower hybrids, experimented in different conditions of the environment, we obtained results on oil content and fatty acids composition. The oil content in kernels is influenced by climate. This depends by air temperature in period of anthesis or during grain filing, also by rainfall. The unsaturated fatty acids of sunflower oil are much more affected by genotype and environment than the saturated ones. Cooler regions offer a more favorable climate for the oil and linoleic acid synthesis. There is an indirect relationship for oleic and linoleic content, in sunflower oil.