Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was added to India's oilseed research portfolio in 1972 and is now mandated under ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad (upgraded from Directorate of Oilseeds Research in 2015).

Key characteristics

• Mandate Institute: ICAR-IIOR Hyderabad
• Research Introduction: Added to oilseed research project in 1972
• Germplasm Bank: ICAR-IIOR sunflower gene bank, Hyderabad

Cultivation and adoption

Major producing states are Karnataka, AP, Telangana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. ICAR-IIOR's sunflower germplasm bank at Hyderabad supports pre-breeding using diploid wild Helianthus to broaden the genetic base; private hybrids dominate commercial cultivation.

References

1. Sunflower cultivars - ICAR-IIOR. https://icar-iior.org.in/technology/cultivars/sunflower
2. ICAR-IIOR Overview. https://icar-iior.org.in/overview