Variability for Seed Phytosterols in Sunflower Germplasm

ABSTRACT Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds and oils are rich sources of phytosterols, which are important compounds for human nutrition. There is limited information on variability for seed phytosterols in sunflower germplasm. The objective of this research was to evaluate kernel phytosterol content and profile in sunflower germplasm and to confirm phytosterol traits under several environments. Kernel phytosterol content in a collection of 985 accessions ranged from 1319 to 5119 mg kg‐1. Large variation was also observed for the concentrations of campesterol (32 to 197 g kg‐1 phytosterols), stigmasterol (41 to 128 g kg‐1), β‐sitosterol (448 to 755 g kg‐1), and Δ7–stigmastenol (8 to 274 g kg‐1). Seventy‐two accessions selected for high phytosterol content and/or different profiles were evaluated for 2 yr under sib‐pollination. From these, 20 accessions were selected based on phytosterol traits and further evaluated in two replicated field trials. Lines HA 89 and IASP‐18, with conventional and high phytosterol content, respectively, were used as controls. Phytosterol traits such as high phytosterol content (up to 3682 mg kg‐1 compared to 2686 mg kg‐1 in HA 89 and 4957 mg kg‐1 in IASP‐18) as well as high concentrations of campesterol (180 g kg‐1 compared to a maximum of 66 g kg‐1 in control line IASP‐18), stigmasterol (161 g kg‐1 compared to 64 g kg‐1 in HA 89), and Δ7–stigmastenol (300 g kg‐1 compared to 163 g kg‐1 in HA 89) were confirmed. Selected accessions will be of great value for future basic and applied research on phytosterols in sunflower.