Technical Abstract: The USDA-ARS Sunflower Research Unit in Fargo, ND, conducts research to enhance sunflower yield by reducing losses to insects and diseases. The unit is composed of seven research scientists, each with expertise in a different scientific discipline. The disciplines are genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, biochemistry, botany, plant pathology, and entomology. Future additions to the scientific staff might include a plant physiologist if funding should become available. Each scientist has one technician to assist with field and laboratory experiments. Operating funds for research are foreseen to decrease over the next three years. However, supplemental funding has been available competitively from the USDA Sclerotinia Initiative to conduct research directed at reducing losses due to this disease. Additional funding has come from the National Sunflower Association to fund the salary of one technician, for supplies and materials, and for disease surveys in the pathology project. Other funds from the National Sunflower Association are directed toward screening for insect resistance. The objectives for the next five years include continued development of Sclerotinia resistance, additional focus on insect resistance, and development of markers for marker-assisted selection.