Screening of Wild<i>Helianthus</i>Species and Derived Lines for Resistance to Several Populations of<i>Orobanche cernua</i>

Abstract

Twenty-six different perennial species of Helianthus, 18 wild annual species of the same genus, and 29 lines tracing to wild species were evaluated for resistance to three highly virulent populations of broomrape (Orobanche cernua). Evaluations were carried out in pots containing soil mixture infested with broomrape seeds. Most of the perennial Helianthus species were immune to the populations of broomrape used in the tests. Some wild annual species and wild derived lines were resistant. The resistance found in the wild species, introgressed to cultivated sunflower, could provide unique resistance to the parasite.