Breeding Giant Confectionary Sunflower Seed Onto Cytoplasmic-Male Sterility Lines

The discovery of cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility (CGMS) in sunflower by Leclercq, P in 1968 allowed for efficient and economical production of hybrid seed. All genetic components (A, B, and R lines) of a CGMS system have been developed. This allows improved hybrid stalk to be transferred onto it for economical controlled production of F-1 seed. Together with advances in seed physiology and population improvements, commercial production of hybrid sunflower seed has created a very sustainable and competitive agricultural commodity. However, much remains to be done on improving confectionary seed size. Substantial yield heterosis and improved seed size have presently been achieved with my hybrid varieties of confectionary seed. This project will breed some of these superior hybrids onto established B and R line stalk with the goal of later following through to completing the process by developing the F-1 hybrid seed in Phase II