Utilization of related wild species (Echinacea purpurea) for genetic enhancement of cultivated sunfower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract

Helianthus annuus is one of the most important oil species, with a comparatively narrow genetic base. Te developmentof new sunfower cultivars is the focus of many research and breeding programs. Intergeneric hybridization between H. annuus andEchinacea purpurea, a valuable medicinal plant, has not yet been utilized in cultivar development. Tis paper describes 2 advancedhybrid lines produced from an intergeneric cross between the cultivated sunfower inbred line 6650 and an accession of E. purpurea .Te hybrid plants have successfully been grown in the feld. Te hybrids, showing expression of traits from both parental species, wereintermediate between both parents for plant height, leaf shape, leaf color, foral characteristics, tocopherol content, and fatty acid profle.It could be postulated that the hybridization Helianthus × Echinacea ofers opportunities for combining desirable traits that increase thevariability of cultivated sunfower.