Search Results (3)

The present review article is intended to provide comprehensive insights into the techniques of sunflower cultivation, methods of processing, and opportunities for value addition through a variety of applications. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an economically valuable crop, admired for its vibrant yellow flowers and seeds rich in high-quality oil. The oil derived from sunflower seeds is nutritionally valued for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, such as linolenic and linoleic acids, which help to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent arterial fat clots. Moreover, it contains essential vitamins A, D, E, and K. Sunflower cultivation primarily occurs in warm regions, aligning with the plant’s climatic preferences. As a short-lived plant, sunflowers demonstrate drought resilience due to their deep root system. In recent years, the use of sunflowers has significantly expanded, driving economic growth. The demand for products derived from sunflowers, including sprouts, roasted seeds, seed oil, and even sunflower-based agricultural tourism, has increased exponentially. Notably, sunflower seeds and their oil hold particular importance as they form the basis for integrated production systems, contributing to the creation of various food and non-food products. By presenting this information, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for those interested in enhancing the utilization of sunflowers across various sectors. Full article

Previous studies have demonstrated that light quality critically affects plant development and growth; however, the response depends upon the plant species. This research aims to examine the effects of different light wavelengths on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) sprouts that were stimulated during the night. Natural light and narrow-band light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used for an analysis of sunflower sprouts grown under full light and specific light wavelengths. Sunflower seeds were germinated under different light spectra including red, blue, white, and natural light. Luminosity, temperature, and humidity sensors were installed in the plant nursery and remotely monitored and recorded by an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The experiment examined seed germination for seven days. The results showed that the red light had the most influence on sunflower seed germination, while the natural light had the most influence on the increase in the root and hypocotyl lengths. Full article

Magnetic stimulation of seeds before sowing can have a significant impact on the speed of their germination. Sprouts are sought after by consumers for their high nutrient content. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of a pulsed magnetic field on the dynamics of seed germination and on the content of ions in sunflower, cress, and radish sprouts. The research material in the experiment was provided by seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), and garden radish (Raphanus sativus L.) intended for sprouting, which were supplied by PNOS Ożarów Mazowiecki. The research methods involved germinating seeds under strictly defined conditions for 14 days. Then, the mineral composition of the previously mineralised sprout material was determined using emission spectrometry on a ICP-OES iCAP Duo 6500 Termo spectrometer. Greater dynamics of germination were noted in the first half of the growth period in seeds stimulated with a pulsed magnetic field with the parameters 100 µT and 100 Hz. However, the application of the magnetic field produced no increase in the capacity of the seeds to germinate. The research showed an increase in the content of macronutrients in sprouts, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulphur. In the case of the field with parameters of 100 µT and 200 Hz, the effect was similar for both the germination percentage and the accumulation of macronutrients. However, in the case of both frequencies of magnetic field applied, the effect on individual plant seed species was different. Pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with a pulsed magnetic field may affect the rate of seed germination and the content of ions in the sprouts; however, these effects vary in individual plant matrices. Full article