Question

The oil content in sunflower is:

• A. 10-20%
• B. 20-35%
• C. 35-45%
• D. 45-60%

Hint:

Recall that this figure is for the whole seed, not the dehulled kernel, which runs higher.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sunflower is grown mainly as an oilseed crop, and its economic value comes from the oil stored in the seed (achene). The oil percentage quoted for sunflower usually refers to the whole seed basis used in agronomy texts, not the dehulled kernel alone, which has a higher percentage.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Standard cultivated sunflower varieties and hybrids grown in India are reported to contain an oil content in the range of about 35 to 45 percent of seed weight, depending on the variety, hybrid and growing conditions.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
This places sunflower's oil content well above minor oilseeds like soybean, which has only about 18 to 20 percent oil, ruling out the lowest range of 10 to 20 percent. It also rules out 20 to 35 percent, which understates sunflower's actual oil richness.
The 45 to 60 percent range is closer to what is found in the dehulled kernel alone rather than the whole seed, so it overstates the typical whole seed oil content used in standard references. The 35 to 45 percent range best matches the whole seed oil content reported for sunflower in agronomy literature, and is the figure most agronomy answer keys accept, though some sources quote slightly different bounds.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The oil content in sunflower is 35-45%.