My project focuses on integration of desirable production traits, including disease and insect resistance, into advanced sunflower lines. Resistance to pests often comes from wild or unadapted Helianthus from around the world, and these sources are identified through collaborative work with other scientists. New sources of resistance are tested using the tools of quantitative genetics to determine if they are unique. Integration of diverse germplasm into advanced lines not only results in added resistance, but also in added genetic diversity in domesticated sunflower. Finished lines from my project are used by the sunflower industry to broaden the genetic background of cultivated varieties grown by the farmer. My work also includes adapting new breeding technologies to sunflower, including marker-assisted selection, to make selection for expensive or difficult-to-study traits cheaper and easier.