GENETICS OF SUNFLOWER RESISTANCE TO BROOMRAPE (Orobanche cumana Wallr.)

Abstract

The angiosperm Orobanche cumana Wallr. (broomrape) is an obligatory root parasite, specific to sunflower crop. The main strategy to ensure the reduction of the negative impact of broomrape remains to be the development of resistant genotypes. This paper represents a synthetic analysis of the data related to sunflower genes for resistance to broomrape races, mapping of major genes and quantitative traits loci (QTL) with minor effects in resistance, as well as vertical and horizontal resistance mechanisms, in general, and the function of the genes involved in resistance, in particular. The study highlights the relevance of genetico-molecular, biochemical and physiological analyzes in this field and the importance of breeding programs focused on the development of sunflower genotypes incorporating multiple resistance genes in order to achieve the durable resistance.

Keywords

• sunflower
• orobanche cumana wallr.
• vertical resistance
• horizontal resistance
• resistance genes
• genetic determinism
• quantitative traits loci (qtl)