An Overview on Role of Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Quality of Sunflower (helianthus Annus L.)

Sunflower is an important oilseed crop in India earning lot of revenue. Research on nutritional aspects relating to sunflower cultivation is abundant and is documented comprehensively. However, the role of major nutrients on crop physiology and the effect of these nutrients on growth and yield of oilseed crops in general and sunflower in particular are scanty. Particularly, the role of phosphorus nutrition in alleviating the yield and its attributes, enhancing the quality and quantity of oil production is important. Coupled with the phosphorus uptake in sunflower is also an important aspect for reaping the benefits of phosphorus absorption. It is precisely at this juncture, research on phosphorus nutrition in sunflower and its effect on growth, yield and quality parameters of its oil gains significance. The literature pertaining to these lines of research in sunflower is presented in an elaborative way and is reviewed in this chapter.