Potential of oil-type sunflower genotypes as protein sources: Variability analysis and breeding implications

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the world's major oilseed crops, and the growing demand for plant-based protein sources has renewed interest in its seed proteins for both food and feed applications. This study evaluated the variability of protein content in 100 oil-type sunflower genotypes to identify promising candidates for breeding programs focused on enhanced nutritional quality. Protein content exhibited considerable variation, ranging from 15.08 to 27.37%, mean 20.25%; CV = 11.27%), indicating substantial genetic diversity. K-means cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into four distinct clusters, representing low-, moderate-, elevatedand high-protein groups. Cluster 4 included 19 genotypes with the highest mean protein content (23.75%), with genotype 100 (Oliva) showing the maximum value (27.37%), highlighting its potential as a superior donor in breeding for high-protein oil-type cultivars. These findings demonstrate strong genetic potential for improving protein content in sunflower and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing nutritionally enhanced, high-protein hybrids with improved applicability in food and feed production.