SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus) (2n=34)

It is an important oil seed crop. Oil content ranges from 46-52 per cent and is of high

quality having non-cholesteral properties.

Origin: America

Distribution: USSR, Romania, Canada, USA In India this crop is introduced in 1969 from

USSR. In India it is cultivated in Tamil Nadu Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh,

Punjab and Haryana

Progenitors: Helianthus petiolaris

H. gigants

Wild species: H hirsutus

H rigidus

The genus Helianthus comprises of 67 species. Two species H .annuus and

H. tuberosus are cultivated as food plants genus has basic chromosome number of 17 and

diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid species are found.

Cultivars of sunflower:

a) Giant types: 6 - 14 feet tall. Late maturing, Large heads 12 - 30” in diameter, seeds

large, white or grey or with black stripes. Oil content is very low. E.g. Mamoth

Russian.

b) Semi dwarf varieties :

Medium tall - 4 ½ to 6 feet, Early maturing. Heads 7 - 9” in diameter. Seeds smaller,

black, grey or striped. High oil content 35%. E.g. Jupiter, Pole star.

c) Dwarf types

2 to 4½ feet tall. Early maturing. Head size 5½ - 6½ “ diameter. Small seeds, high oil

content 37%.

E.g. Sunrise, Morden, Co1, Co2