Potentials for sunflower cultivation for fuel production in Southern Italy

SUMMARY The use of fuels derived from vegetable oils represents a potential opportunity to meet EU Commission guidelines promoting renewable energy utilization. This is particularly true for Mediterranean countries where farmers are well familiarized with oil crops. Sunflower is one of the most adapted crops to dry conditions typical of Mediterranean environments. The oleic acid content in sunflower oil seems to be a suitable character for biofuel production with regard to fuel oxidative stability. For the same reason, the high oleic varieties are considered particularly promising. In this study the effect of climatic conditions and agronomic practices on oleic acid content of sunflower seeds is investigated with respect to the Southern Italy regions. Effects of high temperature, water deficit, irrigation water quality, sowing time and genotype on oil yield and quality are evaluated. Finally, the potential of sunflower cultivation for biofuel production in the light of the recent European agricultural policy is discussed.