Analysis of volatile fraction, fixed oil and tegumental waxes of the seeds of two different cultivars of Helianthus annuus

The chemical composition of volatile fraction, fixed oil and tegumental waxes of the seeds of two Helianthus annuus L. cultivars (Carlos and Florom 350) were examined by GC and GC–MS. Many qualitative and/or quantitative differences were observed. α-Pinene, cis-verbenol and β-gurjunene were in both the main volatiles but with significant quantitative differences; moreover, Florom oil was characterized by a greater variety of constituents. The fixed oil and the waxes composition showed a general qualitative homogeneity, for both cultivars, even though marked quantitative differences were observable. The data obtained could be useful for the correct identification of the cultivars.