Characterization of Backcross Lines of Helianthus Eggertii Small, x Helianthus Annuus L. Possessing Different Regeneration Capacity by DNA and Isozyme Markers

ABSTRACTThe regeneration capacity of eight BC1 and twelve BC2 lines from the backcross progenies of the interspecific hybrid Helianthus eggertii Small. X Helianthus annuus L. was studied. Large variations of the levels of the regenerative potential were observed. Part of the studied lines differs from H. eggertii and the hybrid H. eggertii Small. X H. annuus and show annual life cycle and/or formation of in vitro flowers. AP-PCR, RAPD and isozymes were used to develop species-specific molecular markers. Totally 52 species-specific markers were selected and used for characterization of the backcross lines. For three of the markers specific for H. eggertii, correlation with the high regeneration potential of the studied lines was found. The possibility for utilization of the identified markers and selected lines for development of sunflower lines with high regeneration capacity is discussed.