Brady D. Koehler, Thomas J. Gulya, Brent S. Hulke Abstract: Necrotropic pathogens such as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (causing Sclerotinia head and stalk rots) and Diaporthe spp. (causing Phomopsis stem cankers) have resulted in yield loss for the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) industry. The combination of durable disease resistance and high yield potential is needed for increasing crop productivity […]

Brian C. Smart, Brady D. Koehler, Christopher G. Misar, Thomas J. Gulya, Brent S. Hulke Abstract: Sclerotinia diseases and Phomopsis stem canker, among the most serious diseases threatening the success of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production across the world, have been of increasing concern in recent history, and there is a need for additional inbred lines

Kennedy L. Money, Brady D. Koehler, Christopher G. Misar, Michael Grove, William Underwood, Brent S. Hulke Abstract: While Sclerotinia head and basal stalk rot and downy mildew have long caused problems for the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production industry, Phomopsis stem canker is a disease that is a growing issue in the United States. Our goal

Brent Hulke, Jill Moser Abstract: A primary concern of oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) breeders in developing commercial hybrids is the constitution of the oil product, particularly the fatty acid composition. Over time, mutation breeding and selection has led to sunflower varieties with very high levels of oleic acid, which increases oxidative stability of the

Lexuan Gao, Joon Seon Lee, Sariel Hübner, Brent S. Hulke, Yan Qu, Loren H. Rieseberg Abstract: Given the rising risk of extreme weather caused by climate change, enhancement of abiotic stress resistance in crops is increasingly urgent. But will the development of stress‐resistant cultivars come at the cost of yield under ideal conditions? We hypothesize

Zahirul Talukder, Guojia Ma, Brent Hulke, Chai-chien Jan, Lili Qi Abstract: Commercial hybrid seed production in sunflower currently relies on a single cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) source, PET1 and the major fertility restoration gene, Rf1, leaving the crop highly vulnerable to issues with genetic bottlenecks. Therefore, having multiple CMS/Rf systems is important for sustainable sunflower

Brent S. Hulke, Samuel G. Markell, Nolan C. Kane, Febina M. Mathew Abstract: Climate change is occurring in the central US and is interacting with agroecological factors to increase biotic stress in sunflower. Certain species of Diaporthe cause Phomopsis stem canker in sunflower and other dicotyledonous weeds and crops. The increase in precipitation already observed

Jarrad Prasifka, Rachel Mallinger, Zoe Portlas, Brent Hulke, Karin Fugate, Travis Paradis, Marshall Hampton, Clay Carter Abstract: Floral nectar and other rewards facilitate crop pollination, and in so doing, increase the amount and breadth of food available for humans. Though pollinator abundance and diversity (particularly bees) have declined over the past several decades, a concomitant