Selection for high linoleic acid content in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract

Inbred sunflower lines with high and stable levels of linoleic acid over a wide range of maturation temperatures have been produced. Normally linoleic acid (the polyunsaturated component of sunflower oil) is inversely proportional to temperature during seed maturation. During Queensland's hot summers, linoleic acid content may drop to <50%. Processors require a linoleic acid content of at least 62% of the total fatty acids in oil used for the production of polyunsaturated products, e.g. margarine. Four generations of breeding material (F2-F6 of Hysun 33xHysun 32) were grown and matured under hot summer conditions (approximately 30¦C max., 18¦C min.). The fatty acid composition of individual seeds was determined by non-destructive analysis, and sunflower breeding lines with up to 25% higher (actual) linoleic acid than the standard variety Hysun 32 (which averaged 48% linoleic acid when matured under hot summer conditions) have been produced.