Project Number: 5442-21000-034-07
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jun 01, 2010
End Date: Nov 30, 2012

Objective:
The objective of the project is to transfer an identified gene for rust (Puccinia helianthi) resistance into an acceptable confectionery sunflower genetic background and make it available to the private seed industry for incorporation into finished commercial hybrids.

Approach:
Three known rust resistance genes, R2, R5, and Radv, will be introduced into suitable confectionery sunflower inbred lines. Sunflower line CM29 containing the R2 gene will be crossed with inbred line CONFSCL B1; line HAR-2 containing the R5 gene will also be crossed with inbred line CONFSCL B1; and line RHA 340 containing the Radv gene will be crossed with line CONFSCL R5. Both the CONFSCL B1 and CONFSCL R5 lines are confectionery sunflower inbred lines with resistance to Sclerotinia disease. The progeny of these crosses will be planted for further backcrossing in the summer 2010 season. The goal for the first year of this projected three-year project is to have the BC1 (first backcross generation) available for planting in the greenhouse in the winter of 2010-11 for production of the BC2 (second backcross generation). At each generation, the progeny will be screened for rust resistance. This should allow the development of pure inbred lines with rust resistance after only a few generations, and the lines can be released to the sunflower seed industry by 2012.