Pericarp features of wild perennial Helianthus L. species as a potential source for improvement of technical and technological properties of cultivated sunflower

•Eighteen wild sunflower species showed variation in morpho-anatomical and micromorphological characteristics of achene.•Anatomical and micromorphological features of pericarp can be correlated with technical and technological traits of achene.•Chemical composition of the cuticular layer corresponds to the wax crystals formation.•Important traits are identified for improvement of yield potential.•This research provides a framework for future preservation of wild species.