ABSTRACT
Sunflower is used as bird food, as livestock forage, and in some industrial applications. The plant was first domesticated in the America. Helianthus annuus (wild) is a widely branched annual plant with many flower heads. The domestic sunflower, however, often possesses only a single large inflorescence (flower head) atop an unbranched stem. The name sunflower may have been derived from the shape of flower head, which resembles the sun, or from the impression that the blooming plant appears to slowly turn its flower toward the sun as the latter moves across the sky on a daily basis. Sunflowers can be processed into a peanut butter alternative, sunflower butter. It is also sold as food for birds and can be used directly in cooking and salads. American Indians had multiple uses for sunflowers in the past such as in bread, medical ointments, dyes, and body paints. Sunflower is a fast-growing crop with high forage yield capacity. In Cuba, fresh matter yields are 450-750 q/ha in 60-70 days in dry conditions, and up to 900 q/ha in Brazil. The local cultivar gave highest seed production up to 15 q/ha.
