Influence of storage conditions on quality and viability of high and low oleic sunflower seeds

Storage conditions of oil seeds before industrial extraction might influence the quality of the crude oil. The aim of present study was to clarify the storage able potency of high and low oleic cultivars of sunflower based on oil and fatty acid changes of seeds and their viability. The seed samples of four sunflower cultivars (two high oleic and two low oleic) were stored in three different temperature conditions (4-5 ºC, 21-22 ºC, and 35 ºC) in a period of four months. Results show that quality parameters of seeds such as oil content, fatty acid composition and protein content were significantly influenced by storage conditions in most cases. In all experimental cultivars oil content was significantly influenced by storage time. Indeed, the longer storage times the higher oil reduction and vice versa. In most cases the oleic acid reduced as storage time progressed. Free fatty acid content of crude oil increased in longer storage time and higher temperature. No clear effect of storage time and storage temperature was observed on seed germination of used cultivars. Generally it can be conclude that the storage life of sunflower seed can be decreased by longer storage time and higher storage temperature.