Volume 33, Issue 52

SUMMARY Sunflower broomrape ( Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is currently regarded as one of the most important constraints in sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) production. In the last fifteen years, efforts to introduce genetic sources of resistance to this parasite in sunflower hybrids have been rapidly followed by the appearance of new virulent races that have overcome all known resistance genes. Due to this situation, most of the research efforts have focused on the development and characterization of new sources of genetic resistance to the most virulent races and also to investigate the genetic structure and variability of O. cumana populations and their evolution in order to develop long-term strategies for sunflower broomrape management. Results of evaluation of sunflower germplasm for resistance to different races have demonstrated that wild Helianthus species constitute the major reservoir of genes conferring resistance to new virulent races. Cultivated germplasms are also valuable sources of resistance genes. Most of the resistant sources have been found to be controlled by major genes, although quantitative resistance and epistatic effects have also been reported. Different dominance reactions depending on the race of broomrape, the source of resistance, and the susceptible parental line used for the cross have been observed. Molecular studies have shown that phenotypic variance for race E resistance was mainly explained by a major QTL associated with the resistance or susceptibility character, while race F resistance was explained by several QTLs with a small to moderate effect, mainly associated with the number of broomrapes per plant, suggesting the existence of a quantitative component in the resistance to race F. The relevance of these findings for sunflower breeding for resistance to broomrape is discussed. RESUMEN El jopo de girasol ( Orobanche cumana Wallr.) está considerado en la actualidad como uno de los problemas mas importantes del cultivo de girasol ( Helianthus annuus L.). En los últimos quince años, los esfuerzos realizados para incorporar fuentes de resistencia genética a este parásito en híbridos de girasol han estado acompañados por la rápida aparición de nuevas razas virulentas que superaban todos los genes de resistencia conocidos. Debido a esta situación, la mayoría de los esfuerzos de investigación se han centrado en el desarrollo y caracterización de nuevas fuentes de resistencia genética a las razas más virulentas del parásito, así como en la investigación de la estructura genética y variabilidad de las poblaciones de Orobanche cumana y de su evolución, con el objetivo de desarrollar estrategias duraderas a largo plazo para el control del jopo de girasol. Los resultados de evaluación de germoplasma de girasol para resistencia a diferentes razas han demostrado que las especies silvestres de Helianthus constituyen la mayor fuente de genes de resistencia a las nuevas razas virulentas. El germoplasma cultivado es también una valiosa fuente de genes de resistencia. La mayoría de las fuentes de resistencia están controladas por genes mayores, pero tanto resistencia cuantitativa como efectos epistáticos han sido también identificados. Se han observado diferentes reacciones de dominancia dependiendo de la raza de jopo, la fuente de resistencia y la línea utilizada como parental susceptible. Estudios moleculares han mostrado que la varianza fenotípica para la raza E se explica principalmente por un QTL mayor asociado con la resistencia o susceptibilidad del carácter, mientras que la resistencia a la raza F estuvo controlada por varios QTL de efecto pequeño o moderado asociados principalmente con el número de jopos por planta, lo que sugiere la existencia de un componente cuantitativo en la resistencia a la raza F. Se discute la relevancia de estos resultados en la mejora para resistencia al jopo de girasol.

SUMMARY It is widely known that Orobanche cumana seeds need a conditioning phase of several days under suitable temperatures and wet conditions before being able to germinate in response to germination stimulants. In a series of experiments we showed that O. cumana seeds respond to the synthetic germination stimulants Nijmegen-1 and GR24 even without prior conditioning. These results are consistent with our hypothesis that, under certain field circumstances, non-conditioned Orobanche seeds may also germinate when a host root comes close to them.

SUMMARY The climatic changes during the recent years and the general usage in the agricultural practice of resistant varieties and hybrids are the main reasons for the limited distribution of downy mildew on sunflower ( Plasmopara halstedii Farl. Berlese ét de Toni) in Bulgaria. The disease has occurrence only in separate locations, with a low percentage of attack - up to 10%. Our investigations showed that the current situation stimulated the pathogen to develop new races. Thus, for example, during 1988-2000, i.e ., over a period of 12 years, only two downy mildew races were identified in Bulgaria. Now, however, there are five: 300, 330, 700, 721, and 731. Race 700 has the largest area of occurrence. This race has been isolated from 20 samples with origin from northern Bulgaria during the years of investigation. Its percentage in the downy mildew population was 45.5%, and it is of the greatest economic significance for sunflower production in this part of the country. Races 721 and 731 were isolated in the last two years. They had equal percentages in the population - 15.9% each, but their area of occurrence was quite different. Race 721 was distributed in south-east Bulgaria, its range of occurrence was large, and it is the most significant race in this region in economic terms. The other new race, 731, was localized only in the region of the Dobroudja Agricultural Institute (DAI) and has currently no economic significance for sunflower production. Race 330 is also a new one for Bulgaria. It was isolated in 2006 in single fields in north Bulgaria and its percentage in the population was 13.6%. Race 300 had the most limited distribution during the last two years - 9.1%. This tendency has been observed for the last few years and most probably race 300 will soon disappear from the downy mildew population.

SUMMARY This research was carried out to determine soil residual effects on stand establishment rate and yield in the rotation crops soft winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.), winter oil seed rape (WOSR) ( Brassica napus L.), maize ( Zea mays L.) and sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) following Intervix® (33g Imazamox + 15g Imazapyr) spraying in Clearfield® (CL) sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) production. The experiments were conducted at the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute in Edirne between 2007 and 2009 using a randomized complete block design (stripe plots) with three replications. Five crops were evaluated in crop rotation after spraying Intervix® on Clearfield® sunflower. As the experiment materials, we used the sunflower hybrid Sanay-CL and the cultivars Gelibolu (soft winter wheat, SWW), Bolayir (barley), Elvis (winter oil seed rapeseed, WOSR), Brasco (maize), and Leyla (sugar beet). Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization were applied according to soil analysis recommendations. Observations were made of the number of plants emerged per m2, stand establishment, yield, time to flowering, time to physiological maturity, plant height, root length, head diameter, etc ., according to plants included in crop rotations. Based on statistical analysis of the data from crop rotation experiments, CL sunflower plots followed by wheat, barley, and maize were not negatively affected to a significant degree by Intervix® residues in terms of stand establishment and seed yield in either year. In the first year of crop rotation, however, when planting WOSR four months after Intervix® application on CL sunflower plots, stand establishment and seed yield decreased significantly, by 35.7 and 23.7%, respectively. When planting sugar beet nine months after Intervix® application on CL sunflower plots, stand establishment and beet yield decreased by 26.7 and 11.6%, respectively. However, in the second year in the same crop rotations plots, stand establishment and yield of WOSR and sugar beet planted after CL sunflower were not affected significantly by Intervix® residues.

SUMMARY Nyírség, in northeast Hungary, is one of the most important cultivation regions of confectionery sunflower used for toasting in Europe. The production area in this part of the country is over 20,000 ha. The importance of the crop keeps increasing due to its favorable nutritional properties. Apart from the hybrids suitable for husking produced on large scale, the cultivation area of the traditional open pollinated confectionery varieties is extending too. Kisvárda, an open pollinated variety, is the most widely produced. The abiotic and biotic stress resistance of this variety is excellent; however, it is susceptible to sunflower moth attack. The development of phytomelanin layer that would result in a decrease of susceptibility cannot be implemented without a change of the husk color, which in its turn is highly important on the market. The experiments carried out between 2006 and 2008 had three objectives: first, it included a comparative study of two varieties belonging to the cultivar Kisvárda and two standard hybrids (one confectionary and one oil type) regarding their resistance to moth infestation; second, we wished to determine the effect of sowing time on the extent of moth contamination; and third, we searched for differences, if detectable, between the varieties with respect to the above mentioned aspects. The experiments showed that it is the flowering time, determined by the growing period of the variety and the sowing time, that basically influences the extent of moth infestation. RESUMEN La región de Nyírség localizada en el vértice noreste de Hungría, es la zona mas importante entre las dedicadas a la producción de girasol para tostar. Los terrenos cultivados en la región alcanzan las 20.000 hectareas. La importancia de la producción de girasol va en aumento gracias a que sus propiedades fisio-alimentarias se hacen cada vez mas evidentes. Fuera de las variedades híbridas utilizadas para descascarar producidas con métodos de gran explotación, los campos cultivados con variedades de tradicional desfloración libre son cada vez mayores. Entre las de este último grupo la variedad que se cultiva en mayor cantidad es la de Kisvárda cuya resistencia al estres abiótica y biótica desde un punto de vista agrotécnico se puede considerar de muy buena. Sin embargo a los perjuicios de la polilla del girasol es poco resistente. La disminución de este echo a partir de la introducción de una capa de fitomelania no es posible sin la modificación del color de la cáscara que significa su valor de mercado. Los objetivos de los experimentos realizados entre 2006 y 2008 fueron los de realizar una comparación de la resistencia contra la polilla del girasol de dos variantes de la variedad Kisvárda y de dos variedades híbridas relativamente propagadas en el país para consumo directo y para fabricación de aceite. Por otra parte tambien fué objetivo examinar en que valor condiciona el tiempo de siembra el grado de infección por polilla y si hay diferencia entre variedades. Con base a los experimentos se puede determinar si la fecha de floración es un factor condicionante básico del grado de infección por polilla, lo cual es determinado por el tiempo siembra y el tiempo de vida vegetativo. RÉSUMÉ La Nyírség, qui se situe au nord-est de la Hongrie, est une des régions les plus importantes en Europe quant à la production du tournesol alimentaire à griller. Ici, la surface ensemencée surmonte 20000 ha. L’importance du tournesol alimentaire est en constante augmentation. Cependant, parmi les variantes à griller, celle de Kisvárda, qui est produite dans le plus grand territoire, est susceptible des dégâts de la pyrale du tournesol. Le but des expériences faites en 2006-2008 était de conférer les susceptibilités de pyrale de deux variantes de Kisvárda, deux hybrides alimentaires et un hybride oléique. Nous avons examiné la mesure dans laquelle l’heure d’ensemencement influait sur la contamination et s’il y avait quelque différence parmi les variantes de ce point de vue. En vertu des expériences, nous pouvons constater que c’est l’heure de floraison, déterminée par le temps de végétation et l’heure d’ensemencement, qui influence la mesure de la contamination de façon décisive.

SUMMARY Wild Helianthus annuus naturalized in Argentina could be a valuable germplasm source for cultivated sunflower. Five wild populations collected in different environments and with different phenotype expression were evaluated as a genetic resource in a common garden study. The populations showed normal meiosis and produced a good seed set when their plants pollinated the male-sterile inbred line A09 ( cms PET1). The wild populations restored more than 80% fertility of the HA89 ( cms PET1) and A10 ( cms PET1) inbred lines in the F 1 generation. The fertility of one male sterile source from Mendoza was restored (>95%) by the maintainer line B10. The fatty acid composition differentiated a population from Entre Ríos with a high saturated fatty acid content (>107 g kg -1 ). Another population from La Pampa showed a high level (>50%) of resistance to the Sunflower Chlorotic Mottle Virus (SuCMoV). No wild populations showed tolerance to imazaphyr sprayed at 2× doses (×=80 g i.a. ha-1). A population collected in the coolest environment showed high tolerance to low temperature (15/5°C, neutral day) in the initial grow stages (<3 expanded leaves). A population collected in a dry and hot habitat showed the highest germination (>80%) under water stress (-0.4 MPa) imposed by polyethylene glycol 6000. This population and a second one from southern Buenos Aires showed the lowest leaf temperature increase (<10%) and the highest foliar specific density under artificial drought during the R4 to R6 reproductive stages. It was concluded that wild H. annuus naturalized in central Argentina can supply some useful traits for sunflower breeding. RESUMEN El Helianthus annuus naturalizado en la Argentina podría ser un germoplasma valioso para el cultivo de girasol. Se evaluaron cinco poblaciones silvestres colectadas en diversos ambientes y con diferente fenotipo, en un estudio de jardín común. Las plantas mostraron meiosis normal y produjeron abundante semilla cuando polinizaron la línea pura androestéril A09 ( cms PET1). Las plantas silvestres restauraron en más del de 80% la fertilidad de las líneas puras HA89 ( cms PET1) y A10 ( cms PET1) en la generación F 1 . La fertilidad de una fuente de androesterilidad de la población de Mendoza fue restaurada (> el 95%) por la línea mantenedora B10. Una población de Entre Ríos se diferenció por el alto contenido de ácidos grasos saturados (>107 g kg - 1 ). Otra población de La Pampa mostró alto nivel (>50%) de resistencia al virus del moteado clorótico del girasol (SuCMoV). Las poblaciones silvestres de Argentina no mostraron tolerancia al imazapir aplicado en una dosis 2× (× = 80 g i.a. ha-1). Una población colectada en un ambiente frío de la provincia de Buenos Aires mostró alta tolerancia a bajas temperatura (15/5°C, día neutral) en etapas iniciales (<3 hojas expandidas). Otra población colectada en un hábitat seco y cálido presentó elevada germinación (>80%) bajo estrés hídrico (-0.4 MPa) impuesto mediante polietilenglicol 6000. Esta población y otra de Buenos Aires mostraron bajos aumentos de la temperatura de la hoja (<10%) y elevados niveles de densidad foliar específica bajo sequía artificial durante R4 a R6. Se concluye que el H. annuus naturalizado en la región central de Argentina podría proveer algunos rasgos útiles para el mejoramiento del girasol. RESUME Helianthus annuus sauvage naturalisé en Argentine peut être un matériel génétique valable pour le tournesol cultivé. Cinq populations sauvages collectées dans différents milieux et avec différents phénotypes ont été évaluées comme ressource génétique sous l'étude jardin de commun. Les plantes ont montré une méiose normale et elles ont produit une abondante quantité de graine quand elles ont pollinisé la ligne pure mâle-stérile A09 ( cms PET1). Les plantes sauvages ont reconstitué la fertilité en plus de 80% des lignes pures HA89 ( cms PET1) et A10 ( cms PET1) à la génération F 1 . La fertilité d'une source de mâle-stérilité de la population de Mendoza a été reconstituée (>95%) par la ligne B10. La composition en acides gras a différencié une population de Entre Ríos, avec un contenu élevé d'acides gras saturés (>107 g kg -1 ). Autre population de La Pampa a montré un niveau élevé (>50%) de résistance au virus de la marbrure chlorotique du tournesol (SuCMoV). Les populations sauvages d’Argentine n'ont pas montré de tolérance à l' imazaphyr pulvérisé à une dose de 2× (× = 80 g /p.a. ha-1). Une population colleté dans un milieu froid de la province de Buenos Aires a montré une tolérance élevée aux basses températures (15/5°C, jour neutre) pendant les étapes initiales (<3 feuilles ouvertes). Autre population ramassée dans un habitat sec et chaud a montré une germination élevée (>80%) sous stress hydrique (- 0.4 MPA) imposé avec polyethylen glycol 6000. Cette population et une autre de Buenos Aires ont montré des basses augmentations de la température de la feuille (<10%) et haut niveaux de densité foliaire spécifique sous une sécheresse artificielle pendant les étapes R4 à R6. Comme conclusion, l' H. annuus sauvage naturalisé dans la région centrale d‘Argentine peut fournir quelques traits utiles pour l'amélioration du tournesol.

SUMMARY Wild Helianthus annuus is native to North America but it naturalized in other parts of the world as well. Although the origin of exotic populations is uncertain, they have probably evolved very differently in different countries. To unravel the origin of invasive populations from Argentina and Spain, morphological and agro-ecological data of nine populations from central Argentina, six from Andalusia and one from Gerona were collected in their natural habitats during three exploration trips in 2007 and 2008. In Argentina wild H. annuus was found mainly in disturbed areas between roads and fences. In a few cases the populations were located on the margins of cultivated fields. The Argentinean populations are spread across more than 50,000 m 2 at a density of about 25 plants m -2 . In Spain, the populations were found mainly in croplands. The largest population covered about 1,500 m 2 and comprised no more than 200 plants. The Argentinean populations had taller plants with a higher number of heads of small size, while the Spanish populations were characterized by bigger heads with wider ligules and bracts. Plants were shorter and leaf size was larger in Gerona than in Andalusia. Multivariate analysis differentiated populations from Argentina and Spain by many traits. Wild-crop gene flow is likely the source of genetic variation among them. In Argentina, the populations keep the appearance of early wild introductions, while the Spanish populations are weedier and probably originated from pollen contamination of commercial seed with wild plants or crop-wild hybrids. RESUMEN Helianthus annuus silvestre es originario de América del Norte pero se encuentra también en otras partes del mundo. El origen de las poblaciones exóticas es incierto y probablemente han evolucionado muy diversamente en los distintos países. Para develar el origen de las poblaciones invasoras en Argentina y España, se colectaron datos morfológicos y agro-ecológicos de nueve poblaciones de la región central de Argentina, seis poblaciones de Andalucía y una de Girona, en su hábitat natural, durante tres viajes de exploración en 2007 y 2008. En Argentina, H. annuus silvestre fue hallado principalmente en áreas disturbadas entre caminos y alambradas. En unos pocos casos las poblaciones es encontraban localizadas en los márgenes de campos cultivados. Las poblaciones argentinas alcanzaron más de 50.000 m 2 y una densidad de alrededor de 25 plantas/m 2 . En España, las poblaciones se encontraron principalmente en tierras cultivadas. La de mayor tamaño cubría alrededor de 1500 m 2 y contenía no más de 200 plantas. Las poblaciones argentinas mostraron plantas más altas con mayor número de capítulos de pequeño tamaño, mientras que las españolas se caracterizaron por tallos más robustos, capítulos más grandes con lígulas y filarias (brácteas) más anchas. Las plantas fueron más bajas y las hojas de mayor tamaño en Girona que en Andalucía. El análisis multivariado diferenció las poblaciones de Argentina y España por muchos rasgos. El flujo génico cultivo-silvestre es probablemente la fuente de variación genética entre ellas. En Argentina, las poblaciones mantienen el aspecto de las antiguas introducciones silvestres, mientras que las poblaciones españolas son más de tipo malezoide y probablemente se originaron en contaminación de semilla comercial por polen de plantas silvestres o híbridos cultivo- silvestre. RÉSUMÉ Helianthus annuus sauvage il est originaire d'Amérique du Nord mais il se trouve aussi dans d'autres parties du monde. L'origine des populations exotiques est incertaine et probablement ont évolué très diversement dans les différents pays. Pour effiler l'origine des populations envahisseurs en Argentine et en Espagne, se on des données morphologiques et agro-écologiques de neuf populations de la région centrale de l'Argentine, six populations d'Andalousie et une de Girona, dans son habitat naturel, pendant trois voyages d'exploration en 2007 et 2008. En Argentine, H. annuus sauvage il a été trouvé principalement dans des secteurs perturbés entre des chemins et clôturés. Dans quelques cas les populations sont trouvaient localisées dans les marges de domaines cultivés. Les populations argentines ont atteint plus de 50.000 m 2 et une densité d'autour de 25 plantes/m 2 . En Espagne, les populations se sont trouvées principalement dans des terres cultivées. Celle de grande taille couvrait d'autour 1500 m 2 et il contenait non plus de 200 plantes. Les populations argentines ont montré des plantes plus hautes avec un plus grand nombre de capitules de petite taille, tandis que les Espagnols se sont caractérisées par des tiges plus robustes, des capitules plus grands avec ligules et bractées plus larges. Les plantes ont été plus faibles et les feuilles de grande taille en Girona qui en Andalousie. L'analyse variable a différencié les populations l'Argentine et de l'Espagne par beaucoup de caractéristiques. Le flux des génes cultivé-sauvage est probablement la source de variation génétique entre elles. En Argentine, les populations maintiennent l'aspect des anciennes introductions sauvages, tandis que les populations espagnoles sont plus type mauvaise herbe et probablement en pollution de semence commerciale par pollen de plantes sauvages ou hybrides cultivé-sauvage.

SUMMARY The primary objective of this research was to determine differences among investigated sunflower genotypes and whether the analysed hybrids could be sources of phenols and tocopherols important for storage stability of sunflower seeds and their derived products. DPPH• radical scavenging activity, the content of phenolic components and tocopherols (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-) in seeds and kernels of three sunflower hybrids were analysed. In the present study, six different phenolic compounds were separated by the HPLC analysis. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenol. The chlorogenic acid content strongly correlated with total phenols (r=0.93). Other marked phenolics were caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, myricetin and rutin. The total tocopherols were significantly higher (P<0.05) in kernels than in seeds of all sunflower hybrids. Concentrations in sunflower seeds ranged from 200.67 to 220.05 μg/g and from 256.62 to 267.49 μg/g in sunflower kernels where α-tocopherol was the dominant isomer in all samples. The α-tocopherol content was 98% of averaged of the total tocopherols in all analysed samples. All these nutrients with antioxidant properties influenced the capacity of DPPH• scavenging. Accordingly, sunflower kernels had a higher DPPH• scavenging activity, and a higher nutritive value than sunflower seeds.

SUMMARY Sunflower is an important oilseed crop, known to grow a strong dominating single flower head. In recent times, axillary buds initiation and formation of multi flower heads is a common feature in many sunflower hybrids. To find out the reason for multi headedness an experiment was carried out in the hybrid KBSH-41. It was found that this trait is regulated by the interaction of environmental signals and plant growth regulators such as auxin and cytokinin. Any kind of stress induces the bud growth which affects the translocation of hormones in the transpiration system, especially auxin. When the translocation of basipetally moving auxin reduces, concentration of acropetally moving cytokinin increases leading to the development of axillary buds. When, under normal conditions,auxin to cytokinin ratio is not altered the plants develop single flower heads. The results of this study suggest that auxin has an inhibitory effect on the growth of axillary buds, while cytokinin promotes their growth. The mechanism of axillary bud growth depends on the ratio of these two hormones RESUMEN El girasol es un cultivo oleaginoso importante cuya planta posee una inflorescencia única y dominante. Es común, en los últimos tiempos, el inicio de yemas axilares y la aparición de plantas policéfalas en muchos híbridos de girasol. Para averiguar el motivo de esta policefalía, se llevó a cabo un experimento con el híbrido KBSH-41. Se constató que este carácter se encuentra regulado por la interacción entre las señales del ambiente y los reguladores del crecimiento en las plantas, como las auxinas y citoquininas. Cualquier tipo de estrés induce el crecimiento de la yema, lo cual afecta la translocación de hormonas, especialmente las auxinas, durante la transpiración. Cuando se reduce la translocación basipetala de las auxinas, concentración acropetala de las citoquininas aumenta lo que permite el desarrollo de las yemas axilares. En condiciones normales, la relación auxina/citoquinina no se alteró y las plantas desarrollaron un único capítulo. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que las auxinas tienen un efecto inhibitorio sobre el crecimiento de yemas axilares, mientras que las citoquininas lo promueven. El mecanismo de crecimiento de las yemas axilares depende de la relación entre estas dos hormonas. RÉSUMÉ Le tournesol se caractérise habituellement par une floraison de type monocapitée. Récemment, l'initiation de bourgeons axillaires puis la formation de multiples capitules est devenue un caractère commun à plusieurs hybrides de tournesol. Pour trouver une explication à l'intérêt des tournesols multi-capitules, une expérience a été menée sur l'hybride KBSH-41. Il a été constaté que ce facteur est régulé par l'interaction entre des signaux environnementaux et des hormones de croissance de la plante, telles que l'auxine et les cytokinines. Tout type de stress provoque la croissance des bourgeons, ce qui affecte la translocation des hormones impliquées dans le processus de transpiration et particulièrement l'auxine. Lorsque la translocation de l'auxine en mouvement depuis l'apex jusqu'à la base diminue, la concentration en cytokinine en déplacement de la base vers l'apex augmente, entraînant un développement des bourgeons axillaires. Par contre, le ratio auxine/cytokinine n'est pas altéré dans des conditions normales de développement conduisant à une fleur unique. Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent que l'auxine a un effet inhibiteur sur la croissance des bourgeons axillaires, alors que la cytokinine la favorise. Le mécanisme de croissance des bourgeons axillaires dépend du rapport entre ces deux hormones.

SUMMARY Immature embryos from 15 sunflower genotypes (five restorers, five cytoplasmic male steriles, and five maintainers) were studied with the aim to shorten the seed to seed cycle, because seed maturation in sunflower takes 50- 60% of the life cycle duration (120-150 days). This technique allows the production of fertile plants from immature embryos by reducing the breeding cycle. Ten days after pollination immature embryos were dissected from seeds grown in field plants (SGFP) and were transferred to MS medium allowing shoot and root development for 5-10 days. Young plantlets were transferred to soil, developed to maturity, and were then self pollinated and set seed. The first cycle of immature embryo-raised plants (ERP) was obtained. When these plants were at the flowering stage, 10-day-old embryos were dissected and the 2nd cycle of ERP was obtained. The plants at the flowering stage for obtaining the 3rd cycle are in the growth chamber at the moment. The majority of cultured embryos developed into vigorous plantlets with 3-6 leaves. Out of the 1710 immature embryos, the average response of the explants was 93.1% (1591) showing morphogenesis with a minimum of 42.5 [N Record 109/Sanay 1-2(N)] and a maximum of 100% [(PR6404 ( cms ), Narmo Sanay 6-1 ( cms ), RIM 1-5 ( cms ), BGC0565 (N), N Record 109/Iscra (N), RHA 04, RHA 06, RHA 10, RHA 14, RHA 15]. Seventy percent of the developed plantlets had vigorous roots. They were transplanted into containers with a 1:1:2 peat: perlite: soil mixture (v/v) at 24 ± 2°C in 16 h/8 h (light/dark) in a growth chamber. Only 67.3% of them were grown to maturity, either self-pollinated or pollinated with maintainers and set seeds. The overall result was an average of 40-50 regenerated and matured plants per 100 immature zygotic embryos.

SUMMARY Total sunflower proteins, storage proteins, and helianthinin (11S) and 2S albumin fractions and their respective subunits in seeds and kernels of three sunflower hybrids were analyzed. Protein contents were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and coupled with densitometry. The SDS-PAGE profiles of the seed and kernel proteins in the crude extracts for all genotypes showed a very similar number of protein bands (thirty two) in the electrophoretograms. Three polypeptide groups of helianthinin fraction were detected. Two of these were acidic (α, Mw = 36,800 - 42,900 Da and α', Mw = 31,000 - 35,300 Da), while one was basic (β, Mw=21,000 - 29,600 Da). The molecular weight of the 2S albumin proteins ranged from 11,500 to 20,100 Da. According to our results, there were significant differences among the seed and kernel protein contents. The 2S albumin content was significantly higher in kernels than in whole seeds of sunflower hybrids (P<0.05). By contrast, the 11S helianthinin content was significantly higher in seeds (where it ranged from 61.75 to 67.70% of totally extracted proteins) than in kernels (varied from 57.36 to 61.51% of totally extracted proteins) of sunflower hybrids (P<0.05).

SUMMARY Decline in crop yield has been a major problem in Northern Guinea savanna zones of Nigeria due to inherent low fertility status of the soils. Field experiments were conducted for two years (2003 and 2004) on an Alfisol of the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria to determine the effect of N fertilizer on growth and yield parameters of sunflower. Six rates of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg N ha -1 ) were applied. Plant height and number of leaves were highly significant 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Highest plant heights of 120 and 138 cm were obtained in 2003 and 2004, respectively, at 120 kg N ha -1 . Application of N significantly increased seed and oil yields while excess N (150 kg N ha -1 ) reduced the contents of the two parameters. Optimum N requirement of sunflower obtained from this study is between 90 and 100 kg N ha -1 . La disminución del rendimiento ha sido un gran problema en las áreas de sabana de Guinea del Norte de Nigeria debido a la baja fertilidad de los suelos. Durante dos años (2003 y 2004), se realizaron a campo experimentos en un alfisol de la Sabana de Guinea del Norte de Nigeria para determinar los efectos del N sobre el crecimiento y los parámetros de crecimiento del girasol. Se aplicaron seis dosis de nitrógeno (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 y 150 kg Nha -1 ). La altura de la planta y el número de hojas fueron altamente significativos a las 10 semanas después de la siembra (WAP). Las tallas más altas, 120 y 138 cm, se obtuvieron en 2003 y 2004, respectivamente, con una dosis de 120 kg Nha -1 . La aplicación de N aumentó significativamente el rendimiento de granos y aceite, mientras que un exceso de N (150 kg Nha -1 ) redujo los parámetros determinados. En girasol el requerimiento óptimo de N, obtenido de este estudio, es entre 90 y 100 kg Nha -1 . RÉSUMÉ Le déclin dans le rendement des cultures est un problème majeur dans les zones nordiques de la savane de Guinée du Nigéria, en raison de la faible fertilité inhérente des sols. Des expériences en champ ont été menées durant deux ans (2003 et 2004) sur un Alfisol au nord de la savane de Guinée du Nigéria afin de déterminer l'effet de la fertilisation azotée sur la croissance et les facteurs de rendement du tournesol. Six taux d'azote (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 et 150 kg N ha -1 ) ont été appliqués. La hauteur de plante et le nombre de feuilles étaient fortement significatifs 10 semaines après le semis. Les plantes les plus hautes, de 120 et de 138 cm, ont été obtenues respectivement en 2003 et 2004 pour 120 kg N ha -1 . L'apport d'azote a permis une hausse significative du rendement en grains et en huile alors qu'un excès (150 kg N ha -1 ) diminuait la valeur des paramètres déterminés. L'optimum d'azote pour le tournesol dans le cadre de cette étude se situe entre 90 et 100 kilogrammes N ha -1 .

SUMMARY Soil salinity is a worldwide problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomass production and partition in the organs of sunflower under a gradient of salinity in the soil. The Victoria sunflower was sown on 15 June 2007 at a density of 100,000 plants ha -1 in Montecillo Mex. (19° N, 48° W and 2,400 m). The area has an arid climate (less dry), an annual rainfall of 558.5 mm, and an average temperature of 14.6°C. Based on soil analysis, three areas were used as the treatments, each having 4 replicates. These were: high salinity (EC 11 dS m -1 , HS), medium salinity (EC 7 dS m -1 , MS), and low salinity (EC 5 dS m -1 , HS). Crop emergence occurred eight days after sowing (DAS), anthesis (R5) 80 DAS, and physiological maturity (R9) 130 DAS. Dry matter accumulation (%) in plant organs, total biomass, yield and survival all decreased with increasing salinity, whereas DM distribution did not. The highest biomass, yield and survival were found in the LS treatment (1055, 102 g m -2 , and 100%), while the lowest values of these parameters were recorded in the area with HS (312, 29 g m -2 , and 60%), respectively. The greatest dry matter accumulation was observed in the stem, followed by the receptacle, seeds and leaves. The harvest index and the filled capitulum index were not affected by salinity. In conclusion, biomass accumulation, yield and survival of sunflower decreased with increasing soil salinity. The phenology and biomass distribution in the plant organs were not affected by salinity. RESUMEN La salinidad del suelo es un problema mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la producción de biomasa y la partición en los órganos de girasol en un gradiente de salinidad. El girasol cultivar Victoria se sembró el 15 de junio de 2007, a la densidad de 100 mil plantas ha -1 en Montecillo Méx. (19° N, 48° W y 2.400 m), de clima árido (el menos seco), con precipitación anual de 558,5 mm y temperatura media de 14,6°C. Los tratamientos de salinidad fueron: alta (CE 11 dS m -1 , HS), media (CE 7 dS m -1 , MS) y baja (CE 5 dS m -1 ,LS) con 4 repeticiones. La emergencia del cultivo ocurrió a los 8 días de la siembra (DAS), la antesis (R5) a 80 DAS y la madurez fisiológica (R9) a 130 DAS. En los órganos de la planta, la acumulación de materia seca (AMS), pero no la distribución (%), la biomasa total, el rendimiento y la supervivencia disminuyeron con la salinidad. La mayor biomasa, rendimiento y sobrevivencia fue de 1.055 y 102 g m -2 y 100% en LS, y el más bajo de 312 y 29 g m -2 y 60% en HS, respectivamente. La mayor AMS se observó en tallo, seguido del receptáculo, semillas y hojas. El índice de cosecha y el índice de capítulo no mostraron cambios. En conclusión, la acumulación de biomasa, rendimiento y sobrevivencia de girasol son afectados por la salinidad. La fenología y distribución de biomasa en los órganos de girasol no son afectados. RÉSUMÉ La salinité des sols est un problème mondial. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer la production de biomasse et la partition dans les organes de tournesol dans un gradient de salinité. Le cultivar de tournesol a été semé Victoria le 15 Juin 2007, la densité de plantes 100 mille ha -1 dans Montecillo, Mex. (19° N, 48° W et 2400 m), du climat aride (moins sèche), avec une pluviométrie annuelle de 558,5 mm et la température moyenne de 14,6°C. Salinité traitements étaient les suivants: élevé (CE 11 dS m -1 , SH), moyen (CE 7 dS m -1 , MS) et faible (CE 5 dS m -1 , LS) avec 4 répétitions. La levée se produit à 8 jours après le semis (DAS), l'anthèse (R5) à 80 DAS et la maturité physiologique (R9) à 130 DAS. Dans les organes de la plante accumulation de matière sèche (AMS), mais pas la distribution (%), la biomasse totale, le rendement et la diminution de la survie avec la salinité. Le plus grand rendement de la biomasse et de la survie a été de 1055 et 102 g m -2 et 100% en LS, et le plus bas de 312 et 29 g m -2 et 60% en SH, respectivement. La plupart des AMS a été observée dans les cellules souches, suivi par le récipient, les graines et les feuilles. L'indice de récolte et de l'indice chapitre a montré aucun changement. En conclusion, l'accumulation de la biomasse, le rendement du tournesol et la survie sont affectés par la salinité. La phénologie et la distribution de la biomasse dans les organes de tournesol ne sont pas affectés.

SUMMARY Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) is a new edible oil crop in Sudan. Many production constraints are responsible for fluctuation in its production and productivity. The main constraint is a lack of adapted, improved, highyield sunflower varieties. Farmers depend on imported seeds, which are usually unavailable and expensive. To reduce the cost of the seed and ensure seed supply at the optimum time, ten single-cross sunflower hybrids (SFH32, SFH36, SFH37, SFH310, SFH313, SFH314, SFH341, SFH345, SFH302 and SFH325) and the hybrid Hysun-33 (the check) were evaluated for yield potential and yield components. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with three replications carried over five irrigated locations during the winter season of 2008/2009. There was considerable variation for yield and its components among the hybrids and locations. Significant differences were observed for hybrids (G), locations (E) and G × E interaction. All the genotypes gave high seed and oil yields under irrigated conditions. Three hybrids, SFH310, SFH313 and SFH341, performed better than Hysun-33 and the other genotypes across five environments. Stability analysis identified SFH310, SFH313 and SFH341 as the most stable hybrids for seed and oil yields, since their regression coefficients were close to the value of one (b i =1) and had the lowest deviation from regression (S -2 di). In contrast, hybrids such as SFH32 and SFH37, with regression coefficients greater than one, were regarded as sensitive to environmental changes for seed and oil yields. The three promising hybrids were released last June for commercial production.

SUMMARY This study was conducted in 2009 at the experiment field of the South East Anatolian Agricultural Research Institute in Diyarbakir in order to determine potential sunflower cultivars for irrigated conditions in the region. The cultivars Sanay, P-4223, Alhasa, Pactol, Armada, Sirena, C-70165, Tunca, Isera, Tarsan-1018, and Tr-3080 were tested in the experiment. Important characteristics such as plant height, head diameter, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, oil content and oil yield were investigated. According to the results, statistical differences were found between the cultivars for 1000-seed weight, seed yield, oil content and oil yield at the 5% probability level. The highest seed yield per hectare (4,110.7 kg) was obtained from Pioneer-4223, while the highest oil yield per hectare (139.3 kg) was produced by C-70165. The lowest oil yield per hectare was found in Tr-3080 (610.6 kg), while the lowest seed yield per hectare was found in Tr-3080 (1,790.6 kg). The highest oil content (40.1%) was obtained from Armada and the lowest from Pioneer-4223 with 34.4%. The highest 1000-seed weight (83.7 g) was obtained from Isera and the lowest from Armada with 56.1 g. The highest plant height (249.9 cm) was obtained from C- 70165 and the lowest from Tr-3080 (181.4 cm). The largest head diameter was found in Tunca (17.4 cm) and the smallest in Armada (13.9 cm). Results from this study indicate that Pioneer-4223, Pactol, Isera. C-70165, Tarsan, and Armada can be potential cultivar in terms of yield and the other important characters investigated under the irrigated conditions in Diyarbakir.

SUMMARY Changes occurring in seed during aging are significant as far as seed quality and longevity are concerned and are a consequence of the effects of different storage conditions. The chemical composition of seed with high oil content is related to specific processes occurring in seed during storage. In this trial, sunflower and soybean genotypes developed in Novi Sad were submitted to accelerated aging for three and five days, and natural aging for six and twelve months, under controlled and conventional (non-controlled) conditions. The obtained results showed that preservation of seed viability depended on storage condition and duration, as well as plant species. Accelerated aging test can be used to predict the length of storage life of sunflower and soybean seed. In comparison to sunflower seed, soybean seed is more sensitive to damage and reduced germination during storage.