Comparative analysis of fatty acids, tocopherols and phytosterols content in sunflower cultivars (Helianthus annuus) from a three-year multi-local study Análisis comparativo del contenido en ácidos grasos, tocoferoles y fitoesteroles en cultivares de girasol (Helianthus annuus) en un estudio trianual y multilocal

Sunflower oil is naturally rich in both unsaturated fatty acids and numerous minor components, with high levels of α-tocopherol and phytosterols that could play an important role in plant protection. These micronutriments, tocopherols and phytoster- ols, also exhibit health benefits for humans including reducing both cardiovascular diseases and aging disorders. α−Tocopherol repre- sents more than 95% of total sunflower tocopherol and has the great- est vitaminic activity. Furthermore, this oil contains high amounts of β-sitosterol which is a promising health beneficial phytosterol. The objective of this study was to compare the content and compo- sition of fatty acids, tocopherols and phytosterols in sunflower oil between different cultivars and locations in a three-year experiment, and to estimate the relationships between these minor components, fatty acids and climatic conditions. Results revealed that content and composition of these molecules are mainly determined by plant genotype. Nevertheless, the environmental conditions seemed to strongly influence the tocopherol content. The results suggest pos- sible improvement in sunflower breeding for minor components.