1. Fungicide evaluation and timing in early onset epidemics.
2. Assessment of pathogen diversity
3. Identification of sunflower resistance sources (and genes) in the sunflower germplasm core collection.  
4.  Educate a Ph.D. level sunflower-pathologist

Funded Amount: $4,300
 

1. Characterization of the species and their prevalence causing phomopsis on sunflowers in North America, focusing primarily on North Dakota, South Dakota and Northwest Minnesota,
2. Develop and test a method for screening sunflower germplasm for phomopsis in the greenhouse.
3. Determine the aggressiveness of these species on phomopsis in greenhouse,
4. Compare the U.S. Phomopsis specie(s) in the United States to those in other important sunflower growing areas in the world (winter nursery and production areas),
5. educate a Ph.D. level sunflower pathologist and
6. (new this year) develop a screening technique for field evaluation of phomopsis.

1. Phenotype F2:3 population of the cross HA 89 × RHA 464 with race 734
2. Investigate inheritance of DM resistance genes in RHA 428, HA 458, and 803-1, and a putative new gene from H. argophyllus accession PI 494573
3. Identify SSR markers linked to DM resistance genes in RHA 428, HA 458, and 803-1, and to a putative new gene from H. argophyllus accession PI 494573
4. Use SNP markers to saturate the regions where the new DM resistance genes reside

1. Identify resistance lines to downy mildew by screening approximately 180 USDA accessions of wild Helianthus annuus and H. argophyllus originating from Texas to a composite of the new races of Plasmopara halstedii (downy mildew) virulent on Pl6 and Pl7. 
2. Identify lines resistant to P. helianthi (rust) using the same genetic material as above
3. Evaluate current and experimental fungicides to the P. halstedii (downy mildew). 
4. Educate another North Dakota student in sunflower pathology.

1. Evaluate quality of USDA single-cross hybrids based on red sunflower seed weevil resistance in PI 431542 in yield trials in South Dakota to determine whether a release of germplasm or genetic stock is justified.
2. Use a high replication field trial in North Dakota to characterize resistance to banded sunflower moth found in PI 494859, PI 372259, and USDA inbred lines.
3.  Assess physical traits in populations segregating for high pericarp strength (as a resistance trait for sunflower moth) in the greenhouse. Use results to select entries suitable for subsequent field trials in Texas and Kansas.

1. Determine whether known differences in pericarp strength are associated with differences in thickness of the phytomelanin layer or thickness of the pericarp. (If greater total pericarp thickness is detected in lines with stronger pericarps, test whether the increased thickness also has an effect on oil content or other qualities (e.g., shelling ability).
2. Examine the responses of late-instar sunflower moth larvae to increasing pericarp hardness for lines with and without phytomelanin.
3. Estimate the benefit of hard pericarps and phytomelanin using field infestations of sunflower moth larvae and damage ratings of mature seed.

1. Further refine fertigation recommendations as a comparison to pre-plant applications.
2. Better understanding of nitrogen uptake of sunflowers with and without pre-plant applications of nitrogen.

1. Determine the response of two sunflower hybrids to four irrigation treatments.
2. Determine the response to N rate and to N by Irrigation interaction.
3. In addition, we will introduce a "plant population" treatment to increase the likelihood of reaching or exceeding the yield targets, particularly with the full irrigation regime and the higher N rates.

1. Determine the effects of sunflower in rotation with other crops on: crop yield and quality (seed oil or protein concentration), soil moisture availability, nutrient (N & P) availability, and pest dynamics.
2. Analyze the results of the oilseed crops survey that was mailed to growers in the fall of 2012.
3. Assess the agronomic and economic feasibility of various cropping systems after sufficient data e.g., from the field trial and from growers' surveys has been gathered.

1. To field test efficacy of 1.5 gal/acre AQ on R5.1 - 5.3 for reducing sunflower damage by free-ranging blackbirds.
2. To test efficacy of 1.5 gal/acre AQ on birds enclosed in large netted cages.
3. Determine residues of AQ on achenes and bracts prior to harvest.

1. Identify two research test sites in the area of Dumas and Lubbock, TX with soil profile N levels < 25 lbs. N per acre at 0-4' (first choices are Texas A&M AgriLife Research facilities at Etter and Lubbock, TX, which were used in 2012)
2. Assess responses of yield, sunflower seed oil content, and confectionary seed sizing to N fertilizer rates under irrigated production
3. Evaluate the effect of splitting the timing of N fertilizer application of at-plant vs. ~V-8.

1. Develop a comprehensive list of candidate genes that correspond to desaturases and other fatty acid genes in sunflower, conduct RNAseq of developing seed tissues from a few lines of interest using next-generation sequencers, and find SNPs and InDels with a high likelihood of directly affecting fatty acid content by concentrating on candidate genes expressed in seed with polymorphism between lines.
2. Develop primers for these SNPs or whole genes that will allow for inexpensive genotyping of 196 released oilseed inbred lines of the USDA sunflower breeding program with known fatty acid composition, as well as one F2 mapping population segregating for the HOLS phenotype in a pure HO genetic background.

1. Develop prototype solutions for different types of combine models (Deere & Case IH)
2. Pilot scale implementation consisting of 4-6 installed prototypes with comparison to similar combines without modifications in field harvest tests.
3. Enhanced system instrumentation to help farmers monitor the combine and collect/record additional data such as engine load, and operating temperatures.
4. Document the efficacy of the prototype system through producer experience, field data, comparative machines, and laboratory tests.