The effect of biofertilizers, nitrogen fertilizer and farmyard manure on grain yield and seed quality of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Experiment was conducted during 2007 growing seasons at the Field of College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran Province, Iran to study the effect of biofertilizers (Azosporillum and Azotobacter), nitrogen fertilizer (N) and farmyard manure (FYM) in various rates on the grain and biological yield, seed protein content as well as seed oil content and fatty acid composition in sunflower (Helianthus annus L. cv. Alestar). The results showed that both grain and biological yield produced a better result during the combination of nitrogen fertilizer and farmyard manure than using either method alone. Maximum grain and biological yields of 2823.3 kg haand 9917.9 kg ha were obtained with the F3 treatment, respectively. The results revealed that biofertilizer improved plant productivity and quality in sunflower seed. The application of biofertilizer (I1) decreased the saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) and increased unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid) and oil content, compared with untreated plants I0. The highest linolenic acid (53.28%) and oleic acid (40.65%) were observed in F3 and F1 treatments respectively.