PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SEEDS AND OIL FROM DIFFERENT VARIETIES AND CULTIVARS OF EDIBLE SUNFLOWER (HELIOTHUS ANNUS L.) SEEDS

Abstract

Satisfying food oil needs in quantity and quality requires diversification of crop sources. Besides cotton, sunflower is one of the best plants that makes a significant contribution to this issue. This study was conducted to determine the physical and physicochemical characteristics of sunflower cultivars and varieties that contribute to the selection of better varieties for oil producing factories. A total of 16 cultivars and 12 varieties of sunflower seeds obtained from plant breeding research were used as plant materials for experimental treatments. Physical and physicochemical parameters were determined by standard analytical methods. Analysis of the physical parameters of cultivar/variety seeds reveals an average of 1000 seeds weight ranging from 39.39 ± 0.00 g to 79.98 ± 0.07 g, a length of 9.27 ± 0.53 to 12.00 ± 1.07 mm, a girth of 5.04 ± 0.40 to 7.83 ± 0.66 mm and girth of the diameter of 3.04 ± 0.30 to 5.10 ± 0.56 mm. Physicochemical parameters of whole sunflower seed samples showed a water content in the range of 3.48 ± 0.17 to 4.96 ± 0.31%, an average total ash content in the range of 3.27 ± 0.09 to 6.34 ± 0.28%, a fat content of 37.10 ± 0.09 to 45.66 ± 1.16%, and an acid value of 1.24 ± 0.15 to 6.70 ± 0.07 mg KOH/g. The kernel analysis gave an acid value of 1.65 ± 0.03 to 4.87 ± 0.08 mg KOH/g and a lipid fraction of 39.80 ± 0.07% to 52.24 ± 0.24%. Oils extracted from whole seeds and kernels have an iodine index of 96.16 ± 0.15 to 118.31 ± 0.02 mg I2/100 g and a saponification index of 186.16 ± 0.98 to 196.48 ± 2.40 mg KOH/g. At the end of this study, six cultivars (C28, C34, C39, C87, C98, C99) and four varieties (V1, V13, V14, V15) had interesting physicochemical characteristics and could be retained for varietal selection. These varieties meet a sustained demand for oils in terms of both quantity and quality, which makes it possible to further enhance the value of production and improve the profitability of farmers’ operations.