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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Sunflower and Plant Biology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #100046
Title: EFFECT OF PLANTING DATE ON OLEIC LEVELS OF A NUSUN HYBRID PLANTED AT THREE LOCATIONS IN NORTH DAKOTA

Author
item KIRSCH, MEGAN - NDSU
item Miller, Jerry
item Charlet, Laurence

Submitted to: Proceedings Sunflower Research Workshop
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/29/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The linoleic and oleic fatty acid composition of sunflower has been found to vary inversely with temperature and latitude. The linoleic acid concentration of oil from commercial varieties has been found to range from 31.4% in Texas to 75.5% in Canada. This difference has caused concern regarding what oil quality might be produced in the new NuSun hybrids of sunflower, and whether oil processing firms may differentially purchase sunflower produced in different locations due to this effect. The objective of this investigation was to determine if the oleic acid concentration of a NuSun hybrid could be influenced by planting date at three locations in North Dakota. The NuSun hybrid was planted at Minot, Carrington, and Fargo, North Dakota at three dates approximately 10 days apart. Results of this study indicated that the normal planting date recommended for NuSun sunflower produced an oleic acid concentration in the desired range (50 to 65%) at all three locations. If later planting beyond June 10th occurred, significant decreases in oleic acid concentration was found. These conclusions lead the authors to recommend caution to producers when planting late or when applying desiccants too early. Early frost damage or early desiccant application could significantly lower oil quality of NuSun hybrids.

Technical Abstract: Previous research regarding traditional sunflower hybrids (Helianthus annuus L.) indicated that the linoleic and oleic fatty acid composition of sunflower varied inversely with temperature and latitude. The linoleic acid concentration of oil from commercial varieties has been found to range from 31.4% in Texas to 75.5% in Canada. This difference has caused concern regarding what oil quality might be produced in the new NuSun hybrids of sunflower, and whether oil processing firms may differentially purchase sunflower produced in different locations due to this effect. The objective of this investigation was to determine if the oleic acid concentration of a NuSun hybrid could be influenced by planting date at three locations in North Dakota. The NuSun hybrid was planted at Minot, Carrington, and Fargo, North Dakota at three dates approximately 10 days apart. Results of this study indicated that the normal planting date recommended for NuSun sunflower produced an oleic acid concentration in the desired range (50 to 65%) at all three locations. If later planting beyond June 10th occurred, significant decreases in oleic acid concentration was found. These conclusions lead the authors to recommend caution to producers when planting late or when applying desiccants too early. Early frost damage or early desiccant application could significantly lower oil quality of NuSun hybrids.