The first report on efficient CRISPR-based protocol for sunflower

Abstract

In recent years, sunflower has become a strategic plant due to the increased demand for its oil, as well as low input requirements that enable it to be grown in different agroecological conditions. The most important problem affecting sunflower yield and production are different biotic stressors, such as fungal pathogens and parasitic weed broomrape. The most effective and ecologically-friendly method of control of those stressors is creation of resistant genotypes. Novel, CRISPR-based techniques provide new tools that could accelerate breeding process and introduction of desirable traits into cultivated sunflower. In this work, researchers from Ondokuz Mayıs University and Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops (IFVCNS) combined their knowledge and know-how in order to develop effi cient CRISPR-based protocol(s) applicable in targeted improvement of sunflower.