Field trials of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were conducted with different concentrations of Pakistani lignite derived humic acid. The present study included seed treatment with 0.050, 0.075, 0.125 and 0.200 % aqueous ammonium humate along with control crop for data evaluation. Furthermore, oil content of seeds obtained from treated and untreated plant seeds using n-hexane and their physicochemical properties were compared with standard values. The fatty acid analysis of sunflower seeds oil was performed by gas chromatography after successive extractions. Encouraging results were obtained for seed oil content, unsaturated hydrocarbons and plant yield. The physicochemical properties (proximate analysis) of oil did not show any significant change in the oil composition. The oils extracted from seeds obtained from treated plants showed relatively higher content (47.2 %) of linoleic acid (C18:2).
Saqib Nasir, Aisha Nelofar, M. Ashraf, Tahira B. Sarfaraz. (2009) BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EFFECT OF SOIL CONDITIONER- LIGNITE HUMIC ACID ON SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) PLANT GROWTH AND FATTY ACID CONSTITUENTS , , Volume 6, Issue 3.
