Using new Rf inbred lines originating from an interspecific population with H. deserticola for development of sunflower hybrids resistant to broomrape

One of the directions in sunflower breeding is the selection for resistance to broomrape. The population of broomrape has been stable in Serbia for a long period of time, but the racial composition has changed in recent years, with race E being predominant in the regions of north Backa and Banat. Cultivated sunflower is genetically narrow and deficient in many desirable genes. Its genetic variability can be increased by the use of wild sunflower species and interspecific hybridization. The resistance to broomrape in 15 new experimental hybrids was tested on locations in Serbia (Pacir) during three years (2006, 2007 and 2008) and in Romania (Baragan, Braila) during 2008. These hybrids were produced by crossing female inbred lines (Ha-26PR-A, PH-BC2-92-A and Ha-98-A) susceptible to broomrape race E and new Rf inbred lines (RHA-D-2, RHA-D-5, RHA-D- 6, RHA-D-7, RHA-D-8), developed from interspecific populations originating from H. deserticola and resistant to race E. All examined hybrids were resistant to broomrape in both locations. Since broomrape race F is present in the location in Romania, it is expected that the new Rf inbred lines - male components of the examined hybrids, possess the resistance gene for race F also.