The use of molecular markers for acceleration of the selection process while developing sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) maintainer lines

摘要

Sunflower hybrid production is based on cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). The CMS system includes three main components: male sterile lines (Srfrf), maintainer lines (Nrfrf), and fertility restorer lines (NRfRf). An experiment was conducted to analyze the lines that are the candidates for maintainer lines for identifying fertility restoration gene (Rf1), using molecular markers to facilitate hybrid breeding. Out of 477 lines, the application of fertility restorer-linked molecular marker(s) helped identify 365 lines as maintainers, but test cross analysis revealed that 371 lines functioned as maintainers.