Seed Alpha-tocopherol and oil Content in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Inbreds, Open-pollinated Varieties and Commercial Hybrids

Abstract

Alpha-tocopherol is the most important antioxidant compound in sunflower seeds and oil. The main objective of the study was to assess seed alpha-tocopherol and oil content of 108 varieties of sunflower germplasm including 48 inbreds, 51 open-pollinated and 9 commercial varieties. The experiment was carried out at the Agronomy field, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Sean campus, Nakhon Pathom province during November, 2007-February, 2008. Seed tocopherol and oil content, seed yield, 100-seed weight and flowering date were records on a plot basis. Seed alpha-tocopherol contents of all varieties averaged 28.3 mg/kg. Alpha-tocopherol content of inbreds (45.5 mg/kg) was statistically significant higher than that of commercial hybrids (22.2 mg/kg) and open pollinated varieties (17.8 mg/kg). Seed oil content ranged from 34.5 to 40.4 mg/kg. While the commercial hybrids and open-pollinated varieties had significantly higher seed oil content that the inbreds. But seed oil content was not correlated with seed alpha-tocopherol content, 100-seed weight and seed yield per head. The study showed the potential of improvement of seed alpha-tocopherol content in sunflower. Selection for enhancing seed-tocopherol content seems to have no effect on reduction of seed yield and oil content.