Research article    |    Open Access
Helia 2012, Vol. 35(57) 57-70

Genetics and Breeding of Herbicide Tolerance in Sunflower

C.A. Sala M. Bulos E. Altieri M.L. Ramos

pp. 57 - 70

Publish Date: December 01, 2012  |   Single/Total View: 3/16   |   Single/Total Download: 4/17


Abstract

Although there are some examples of gene discovery for non-target site mechanisms of tolerance in sunflower the main focus of research and development during the last decade was directed to the discovery of altered acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) genes and enzymes. In this way several natural or induced mutant alleles of the sunflower Ahasl1 locus were reported and characterized. Four of these alleles were utilized to develop different non-GMO traits and technologies of weed control: Clearfield® Clearfield Plus® Sures and ExpressSun®. Each one of these technologies has their own characteristics cross-tolerance pattern benefits and drawbacks which are briefly reviewed. Some methods to speed up the introgression of these traits into the breeding program are described as well as the dominance relationships between some members of the multiallelic Ahasl1 locus. Proper utilization of these technologies allowed and will continue to allow an excellent weed control for the sunflower crop. However some of these genes and their allelic interactions remain to be tested and developed in the years to come in order to create novel technologies. Additionally it is clear that only one mode of action - the inhibition of the AHAS enzyme - is being exploited so far in sunflower. This will prompt the rapid selection of tolerant weeds that may jeopardize the sustainability of all these technologies. Selection over cultivated germplasm wild Helianthus species and mutagenized libraries will allow the discovery of new sources of HT especially to other modes of action apart from the inhibition of AHAS in order to complement the current technologies.

Keywords: herbicide resistance, AHAS inhibitor herbicides, mutation breeding


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Ramos, C.S.M.B.E.A.M. (2012). Genetics and Breeding of Herbicide Tolerance in Sunflower. Helia, 35(57), 57-70.

Harvard
Ramos, C. (2012). Genetics and Breeding of Herbicide Tolerance in Sunflower. Helia, 35(57), pp. 57-70.

Chicago 16th edition
Ramos, C.A. Sala M. Bulos E. Altieri M.L. (2012). "Genetics and Breeding of Herbicide Tolerance in Sunflower". Helia 35 (57):57-70.