ABSTRACT
L.) is derived from the Greek words
helios
, meaning “sun,” and
anthus
, meaning “flower.” The Spanish name for sunflower,
girasol
, and the French name,
tournesol
, literally mean “turn with the sun,” a trait exhibited by sunflower until anthesis, after which the capitula (heads) face east (Fick, 1989). Sunflower is a relatively new crop among the world field crops and is unique in several aspects. It is one of a few crops that have their origin in North America. Sunflower is further unique in that it has been bred for distinctly different uses: as an oilseed crop, edible confection, birdseed, and, to a much lesser extent, an ornamental for home gardens and the cut-flower industry. It is grown as an oilseed crop worldwide in temperate and subtropical climates.
