Influence of temperature on oil content and composition of sunflower seed

Abstract

The influence of temperature on the oil content and composition of sunflower was studied on plants grown under field conditions and in a range of controlled environments.

Traces of oil were detectable in cypsela (seed) almost immediately after pollination. Much of this appeared to be present in the hull (pericarp), which is well developed at this stage. Significant production of oil commenced with the development of the embryo about 150 day-degrees after pollination, and the oil content reached a maximum value just prior to physiological maturity of the seed. Linoleic acid constituted the major component of the oil at all stages of seed development, and under favourable temperature conditions increased from c. 50% soon after pollination to over 70% at physiological maturity.

High temperature during the development of the seed was associated with a reduction in total oil yield. However, under field conditions this effect was variable owing to confounding with other environmental factors such as moisture stress, which also influence the yield of oil through their effects on growth and development of seed. Elevated temperatures, and in particularly high night temperatures, caused a marked reduction in the percentage of linoleic acid, apparently due to the effect of temperature on the activity of the desaturase enzymes which are responsible for the conversion of oleic to linoleic acid.

These results support the hypothesis that reduced yields and altered composition of sunflower oil from crops matured under high temperature conditions in midsummer are due to the effects of heat stress on the biosynthesis of fatty acids.