Two non-allelic unlinked genes designated tph-1 and tph-2, controlling tocopherol composition in sunflower seeds, were identified for the first time. Recessive alleles of the genes were found by wide-scale screening and selfing as spontaneous mutations on the base of "half-seed technique". Inbred lines with modified tocopherol composition have been developed. The tph-1 gene controls the ratio of alfa- and beta-tocopherols whereas tph-2 gene controls that of alfa- and gamma-tocopherols.