Genetic control of broomrape in sunflower

Abstract

Broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is a major biotic constraint in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production in Europe and Asia. It produces a large number of small seeds that are easily disseminated, leading to the build-up of O. cumana populations, and the constant appearance of new, and more virulent races. Current racial situation of broomrape in the main infested areas is unclear, since there is a lack of information on whether races under the same name reported in different countries are the same or differ in terms of virulence. Among the several control options proposed, genetic control of broomrape has been found to be most effective and environmental friendly way. Since O. cumana resistance is broken frequently, multiple sources of resistance are needed to control the emerging races. Some resistance sources have been found to be controlled by major genes, some have recessive inheritance, but some showed QTL resistance.