Achievements of sunflower breeding at the IFVC in Novi Sad

Abstract

Novi Sad breeding materials and some wild species of the genus Helianthus were used to create new genetic variability in cultivated sunflower. Our breeding program during 1997-2003 had several directions, and greenhouses and winter generations (India and Argentina) were used. Artificial infection methods were utilized to develop new Rf and B-lines with resistance to diseases. Using different genetic materials and selection methods, 1,461 new restorers (Rf) and 217 new B-lines resistant to downy mildew (race 710) were developed during the 1997-2003 period. In the same period, a number of new B-lines were also developed that had high levels of tolerance to Phomopsis, Sclerotinia and Macrophomina simultaneously. Particularly valuable are the new lines with different oil quality (high-oleic plus different tocopherols). A total of 160 Rf lines with different oil quality and 157 new B-lines were developed. Furthermore, 260 new B-lines resistant to race E of broomrape (Orobanche cumana) were developed. Another important part of the breeding program is the incorporation of tolerance towards imidazolinone-based herbicides from the wild H. annuus into elite lines (B and Rf lines) and the development of the first hybrids tolerant to this herbicide group. The development of new lines tolerant to sulfonurea is in progress.