Study and conservation of sunflower genetic resources in the east of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The findings of a comprehensive study and systematization of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) gene pool in the East Kazakhstan from 2021 through 2023 are discussed. The study was determined by the need to update the domestic breeding stock in the face of climate instability to ensure the country’s food security. The research was conducted at the East Kazakhstan Agricultural Experimental Station under the region’s extreme hydrothermal conditions from 2021 through 2023 which served as the basis for assessing the adaptive potential of the collection accessions. The research material consisted of 292 inbred constant lines. The study assessed the collection for its key economic characters. It was found that over 40% of the gene pool consists of early-maturing genotypes capable of avoiding peak atmospheric drought. The significant potential of the material was confirmed: 186 forms containing high percentage of oil with seed oil content over 50% and 61 large-fruited lines with thousand-seed weight over 70 g were selected. Particular emphasis was placed on phytopathological monitoring in the field which identified accessions with integrated resistance. The practical result of this work was the collection registration and the creation of a database based on international descriptor cards. Specific lines based on high oil content, large-fruit character, sterility maintainers, and pollen fertility restorers were identified. A duplicate gene pool was formed at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Crop Growing to guarantee the conservation of biological diversity. The gene pool created at the East Kazakhstan Agricultural Experimental Station allows ensuring a closed cycle selection of competitive domestic hybrids reducing dependence on imported source material.