Fatty acid composition of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) oil as influenced by seed position

The variation in fatty acid composition of the oil from seeds located in different positions within an individual sunflower head was determined. Each head was divided into three ring-shaped zones and four samples were taken from each zone. Ten heads from an inbred line and ten from an open-pollinated variety were sampled. Position of the seed within the head had a significant effect on the fatty acid composition of the oil. The linoleic and palmitic acid contents of the oil increased and the oleic acid content decreased from the perimeter toward the center of the head. Journal Article No. 399.