Assessment of experimental sunflower hybrids for resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31210/spi2026.29.01.10Keywords:
sunflower, hybrid, breeding, resistance, Orobanche cumanaAbstract
Sunflower is a strategic oilseed crop whose productivity is significantly constrained by infestation with sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana), a parasitic plant characterized by the continuous emergence of new virulent races. The aim of the study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of newly developed experimental sunflower hybrids for resistance to broomrape under both laboratory and field conditions and to identify the most valuable combinations for further breeding programs. During 2023–2025, laboratory screening was performed under an artificial infection background using a mixture of broomrape seeds collected from different regions of Ukraine, followed by field assessment under natural infestation conditions. The experiment included 68 experimental hybrids obtained through diallel crosses between four maternal lines and 20 fertility restorer lines. Resistance was evaluated based on the percentage of infected plants, the number of tubercles or parasite shoots per plant, and an integrated resistance scoring scale; statistical analysis was performed using correlation and regression methods. A pronounced differentiation among hybrids in terms of resistance level was established, along with a decisive influence of the maternal component’s genetic background. The highest and most stable resistance in both laboratory and field trials was demonstrated by hybrids involving the A25 line; several combinations showed complete absence of infection over two consecutive years (0 %, score 9), indicating effectiveness against at least six broomrape races (A–F) and likely race G. In contrast, most hybrids derived from A620-16, OD-DI-65-SU, and НА-26-ІМІ-PR exhibited high or moderate susceptibility, although certain combinations displayed moderate tolerance, supporting the feasibility of targeted selection within these groups. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between laboratory and field infection parameters (r = 0.683; p < 0.001), with 46.7 % of the variation in field resistance explained by laboratory results, confirming the predictive value of early-stage laboratory screening. The findings enabled the identification of hybrids with high breeding value recommended for advanced competitive trials and for use in breeding programs aimed at developing competitive heterotic forms with an expanded spectrum of resistance to aggressive broomrape races.
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