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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 #260116
Title: Developing unique fatty acid combinations through traditional sunflower breeding methods

Author
item Vick, Brady
item KLEINGARTNER, LARRY - National Sunflower Association

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2010
Publication Date: 4/28/2011
Citation: Vick, B.A., Kleingartner, L. 2011. Developing unique fatty acid combinations through traditional sunflower breeding methods [abstract]. 102nd American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) Annual Meeting & Expo, May 1-4, 2011, Cincinnati, OH. p. 42.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There have been a plethora of new fatty acid developments in a number of oilseeds that are either in research or have been introduced into the market place. There are many challenges in changing the fatty acid structure of an oilseed. Yield drag is one concern as is fatty acid consistency depending on geography, growing season weather and other variables. The U.S. sunflower industry has had good success in making new fatty acid adaptations. That may be due in part to the genetic adaptability of sunflower. There is also a significant USDA storehouse of seed types which includes wild species and domesticated sunflower. Researchers have screened this storehouse for unique fatty acid combinations which can be integrated into cultivated sunflower. Sunflower breeders developed both a high oleic and a mid-oleic sunflower which now dominate the North American market and to some extent the European market. This was market driven by demand for stable frying oils without need for hydrogenation. Additional opportunities exist to develop sunflower oils with unique fatty acid combinations. The success of new introductions is dependent on an identified market need and the ability of breeders to create the required fatty acid combination. This is done through traditional breeding methods.