Location: Sunflower Improvement Research
Project Number: 3060-21000-047-021-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2025
Objective:
Objective 1. Advance cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) conversions, mapping populations, and inbred lines to allow for more rapid release of sunflower germplasm to the seed industry and university collaborators. Objective 2. Obtain notes of plant height and bloom date, as well as any other needed data, on the plants in the Chile environment, to publish in germplasm releases.
Approach:
Using a combination of short (1 m) and long (5 m) nursery plots, the Cooperator will sow CMS conversion plots, mapping population single seed descents, and inbred line advancement, increase, and purification rows to support rapid advancement of sunflower inbred lines to release. The Cooperators will maintain plots using supplemental irrigation and hand weeding, and provide regular progress reports and questions concerning unusual findings. A mid-season report will contain bloom dates (days after planting) and plant height for specific plots. Pollination will be according to written instructions and/or guidance from ARS staff during a site visit. Harvest will be according to written and pre-discussed guidance and the relevant plants threshed and seed sent back to ARS for the next field season.
