The effect of the preparation "Agricultural Happy NL-1 ", which contâins elementsfrom scandium and lanthanid groups on some morphological and physiological characters ofyoung sunflower plants was studied. Different concentrations of the prepârâtion and treatmentswere used. The presence of the elements from scandium and lanthanid groups in the nutritive solution considerably affected the growth and development of sunflower plants. The lower concentrations of these elements, at the stages of two pairs of leaves, increased the length and mass of stem, the area of cotyledons, thc length, volume and mass of roots and chloroplast pigménts content in leaves. Tlre higbest studied conccntracion (100pg'g-1) increased tlre mass and specific mass of leaves. At the stage of four pairs of leaves, all parametrs had highest values with the concentration of 504 u'g-1 of the preparation in the nutritive solution. 1'tre pre-sowing treatment of seeds with low conccntrations of the pr€pâration (2000 or 3000 u g'g-1, for plant growth in soil culture, increased the following parameters: the height and mass of stem, the mass and area of leaves, chloroplast pigment content in leaves and root mass. Secd treatment with the highest concentration (5000 u g'g-1) was inhibitory. The obtained results showed that certain concentrations ofthe elcmcnts from scandium and lanthanid groups may affect favorably the growth ofyoung sunflower plants, although thcse

From virtual self-sufficienry in edible oil supply in 1960, Egypt lapsed back to depedence on imports because ofsharp population increase, increased oil consumption and a reduction in the acreage under cotton, the main oil crop in the country. Attempts to improve the edible oil production in Eryot made it evident that synthetic sunflower varieties are a more viable option than sunflower hybrids. Having defined a model cultivar for Egypt in 1982, the author established and tested a collection of land varieties from Middle and Upper Erypt. The accessions showed good yielding ability, vigorous growtlr and adaptabitity on one side and tall steam, late maturity and low oil content on the other. Based on the expcriments and combining atrility results, three land varieties and two cultivan wcre selected for female parents of a lrase synthetic population intended to be made.Regarding the male parent, VN-03, VN-04 and VN-05 were selected for earliness and short steam, Citosol, Drysol and ISEA for high oil content and large head.The materials gathered wcre sclfcd for two ycars, srossed by hand, and the obtâined seeds sown in two diverse locations in 19S(r, for selcction for smaller height, largcr heatl, at'scnce of natural disease symptoms, bird resistancc, high seed yield and high oil contcnt. 'I'he two groups were differentiated to carly high oil and medium late high oil genotypes. l'he seeds in each group were mixed to form Synthctic-l fur group I and Synthctic -1 for group I I. TLe former synthetic was futher tcsted at Suez Canal University, the latler by thc author of this paper. Dominance of tall plants and transgressive segregation for achene yield per plant and oil percentage were the problems which confronted the author. lle started a program of recurrent sclection to increase gene frequencies for the desired clraracten. After one cycle of recurrent selection, the synthetic was divided in six sub-populations according to achene yield, oil content or oil yield and sccd color. These sub-populations are presently in a cycle of population improvement.

The paperpresent preliminary results of a crossing program followed byembryoculture in vitro. The program included the female line HA89 (cms) and various American wild species (mostly perennials). Thirty-four interspecific hybrids have been made and 481 plants successfully regenerated, i. e., the âverâge regeneration rate of 54.3% has been achieved. Presently, the hybrid progenies are being identified morphologically. cytologically, by isozyme electrophoresis and/or by RFLP analysis. They will be backcrossed and tested against available restorers. When new CMS materials are made, they will be scrcened for resistance to Sclerotinia selerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea.

Eighty-four populations of wild sunflowerwere collected from the Great Lakes Region ofthe United States. Tvelve diferent species are represented in the populations.Heliantus tuberosus was represented by 13 accessions and H. giganteus by 10 acessions, significantly increasing the number of accessions of in H. giganteus in the collection. Additional accessions, of H. divaricatus, H. decapetalus, H. mollis and H. hirsutus were also collected. The addition of these populations to the wild sunflower germplasm collection will greatly increase the available genetic variability for improvement of cultivated sunflower. Future collection explorations are planned for Canada and Mexico with the goal of preserving significant portionstf the natural genetic diversity of wild sunfiowers.

In this paper, the authors describe an investigation undertaken in 1988 and 1989 to study the effectiveness of locally marketed desiccants, 'Bi-pyridinium' and 'Fomesafen', in allowing an early harvest of sunflowers without loss in seed yield, oil content and quality. The experiment was carried out after the method of randomized complete blocks in four replications. The two desiccants, in two doses, were applied at 5-day intervals 18, 23, 28, 33 and 38 days after the flower completion (DFC). The harvesting was conducted seven days later, i.e., at 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 DFC. The results of the investigation are presented in four tables and eight graphs.

An in vitro system for callus induction and plant regeneration from explants-bud, stem, leaf and cotyledon pieces as well as protoplasts isolation enzymatically from leaves and their culture in different media is described using six wild diploid species (2n:2x:34) of sunflower viz.,Helianthus nuttallii Tats., H.mollis Lam., H divaricatus L., H. debilis Nutt., H. maximilliani S., and H. praecox E & G. All explants formed calli on a modified MS medium (MSD4). Plant regeneration was obtained in all species from calli of the above explants except cotyledons on R mnedium. Maximum regeneration (81.25%) was obtained from stem-induced calli of H. nuttallii whereas it was only 4.80% from bud-induced calli of H. mollis. Protoplasts from all species were examined for division, colony and subsequent callus formation. Colonies were formed in all species, however, callus formation was obtained only in H. praecox. Freshly isolated protoplasts of these species have shown variability for yield, size and viability.

This contribution summarizes our knowledge on more complex cases of inheritance of the traits thât affect the yield indirectly and that are of breeding and seed growing importance. Further on, it summarizes knowledge of genetic parameters of yield traits and results of their variability evaluation. Following traits are dealt with: pollen sterility conditioned by 4 genes, recessive ramification determined by 2 genes and dominant ramification determined also by 2 genes, head inclination conditioned by 12 genes. Genetic characteristics of the following polygenic traits are described: oil content and husk of achenes, weight and number of achenes, plant height and leaf area, self-fertility. ln the yield components directional coefficients and variability as the proportion of additive and non-additive components of inheritance are presented.

Pollen fertility is an important biological trait which is gratifying ro study in F1 interspecific hybrids. Eight wild species of different ploidy levels, six inbred lines and 22 F1 hybrid combinations were screened for pollen fertility by the merhod of Alexander (1969). The percentage of pollen fertility was high (above 90%) in all inbred lines as well as in most wild species (only two of themwere bclow 90%). The F1 hybrids had lower pollen fertility than their parents, the percentages ranging from 1.9% to 70.0%.

The current sunflower hybrid production is realized only on the base of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) of "petiolaris" type. This cytoplasmic uniformity is a potential risk for the yield of sunflower and is a reason for a series of studies aimed at discovering new CMS sources. Large diversity of wild species and cultivated varieties is a premise for successful breeding of hybrids with high yielding potenrial. In 1984 and 1987, new sources of CMS, marked CMS-ARC_1 and ARG-3, were produced by interspecific hybridization of the wild annual species H. argophyllus, used as the female parent, and the cultivated sunflower, used as the male parent. The new cytoplasmic sterility is maintained by a large number of varieties and self-pollinated lines. Some lines known as restorers for CMS "petiolaris" type appear also to be restorers for the new CMS sources. This shows that these sources can be used for development of sunflower hybrids. The hybrids developed on the base of the two new cMS sources substentiate the above statement. The conventional CMS and the new CMS sources, ARG-1 and ARG-3, are similar in some points and different in others. Some lines known as maintainers for CMS "petiolaris" type possess the ability to restore, to a certàin degree, the fertility of plants produced on the base of the new CMS. A study undertaken to clarify the differences is in progress

The authors present results of a study concering the artificial defoliation of two self-pollinated sunflower lines. Defolation treatments of increasing intensities on leaves in different positions were carried out at two different times of plant growth (before and during flowering). The results stress the importance of upper and intermediate leaves for yield which decreased with the increase in artificial defoliation percentale.

Two trials were conducted during the years 1985 - 86 at the experimental farm of the Agronomy Institute of Pisa University, with the aim of singling out the combined effects of three treatments: A) two herbicide mixtures forweed control (active compounds: Trifluralin + Fluorochloridride for the first one, and Linuron + Alachlor for the second one); B) two sowing densities (5 and 8 plânts/sqare meter) and C) three levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 100 and 2OO kg/ha N). This experiment was conducted in a sunflower crop grown in dry soil and typical coastal lands of Toscany. Moreover the trial was realized in three different sowing times for each year: early, normal and late, with a delay of 15 days among them. A good weed control was obtained with both mixtures employed, while no influence was revealed for the various levels of density and sowing times on weeds, whose proliferation was emphasized with the greatest nitrogen level. It seems that achene yield may have been increased by chemicals; in fact, with an increment of 1 q/ha of weedy dry matter, there was a decrement of about 0.14 q/ha in achene yield. The greatest density (8 p/sq.m) and the highest nitrogen level (200 kg/ha) determined the highest achene production, whcrcas the best sowing time in our environnrcnt was belween the end of March and the beginning ot April.

Different sunflower hybrids were inoculated in a three-year expcriment with the fungus Diaporthe helianthi. Based on the intensity of the infection, the hybrid NSH-45 proved to be significantly less susceptible than the other tested hybrids in all three years. According to the results obrained in 1989, the hybrids NSH-43, NSH-47, NsH-55, NSH-85 were tolerant too. The results of the three-year experiment suggest that in the areas of Hungary witha heavy Diaporthe infection pressure, the Yugoslav resistant hybrid NSH-45 should be grown.

This short communation presents the results on diseases screening (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Diaporthe helianthi) carried out in 1989 in Hungary. The Yugoslav hybrid NSH-45 was most tolerant to Diaporthe helianthi.The coded hybrids S.280, S.277, S.2151 and the hybrid ANTLIA had the rates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection under 10%.

In July 1988, we have observed symptoms on Xanthium italicum Moretti, similarto those provoked by Phomopsis helianthi Munt.-Cvet on sunflowers. The causative agent of these symptoms on X. italicum is Diaporthe (Phomopsis) sp. that we have arbitrarily named Phornopsis (Diaporthe) "xanthium". ' This publication describes the anamorphic and telomorphic forms of this parasite, and gives the first results concerning its biological cycle on X. italicum. The peculiarity of this fungus is to be equally pathogenic on sunflowers (results proved by ascospores tests), and to provoke on the stems of this plant identical symptoms to those developed by P. helianthi. Then, what is the relation between P. "xanthium" and P. hetianthi? The comparison of their anamorphic forms brings them together. But, on the other hand, their telomorphic forms present quite important differences. However, one of the P. helianthi biotypes isolated by Yang (1983) is characterised by typical traits of D.helianthi and of P. "xanthium". Consiclcring these various observations, and the fact that the Xanthium and Helianthus genera are hoth native to the American continent, we are presently working on the following hypothesis: could Phomosis (Diaporthe).helianthi be a form of Phomopsis (Diaporthe)."xanthitum" adapted to a new host (the sunflower)?

Principale culture oléagineuse du Maroc, le tournesol se sème traditionellement au printemps. Du fait de cette date de semis, la floraison coincide avec une période de sécheresse et la phase de maturation du grain est soumise à I'action d'un vent sec ("chergui"). Ces deux facteurs limitent considérablement le rendement de cette culture. Deux types de réponses peuvent être envisagô: une réponse d'ordre génétique (hybrides résistants à la sécheresse) et/ou une approche agrotechnique. Dans cette optique âgrotechnique, I'effet de neuf dates de semis sur Ie rendement de deux genotypes (ORO-9, variete marocaine, FLORASOL, hybride simple) à été étudié grâce à un split-splot randommisé (4 répitirions). L'anâlyse statistique de nos résultats nous permet de tirer les conclusions suivantes: -Les datesdesemis précoces (novembreà décembre) générent des cyclesdevégétation longs, I'apparition de ramifications 'limitent Ie diamétre des capitules et la hâuteur des plantes. En contre partie, elles permettent la formation de hauts rendements chez des nyuriaes précoces dont les périodes de floraison ne sont pas soumises à la séchercsse.-Les dates de scmis tardives ont des effets opposés, specialement. sur le rendement.-cette étude m()nrre égalcment l'importance du choix d,un hybritle atlapté à des semis précoces. En effet, sous ces conditions de culture, la boutonisation et la floraison doivent se dérouler aprés les "froids" hivernaux pour assurer le déroulcment optimal des processus physiologiques et I'action des insectes pollinisateurs. Ainsi, la phase de remplissage des achenes peut se derouler avant la secheresse estivale.

An open pollinated variety of oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was selected under conditions of absence of competition and under competitive conditions also. Selection was based on seed yields of individual plants established in a honeycomb design. Seeds of the selected plants, separately for each case, were bulked and sown next year in comparison to the check. Under conditions of absence of competition a seed yield increase of 26,0% compared to the check was obtained. Under competitive conditions seed yield increased only by 8,2%. lt is concluded that honeycomb selection at wide spacings was more effective in improving seed yield.

The authors considered three interspecific hybrids between wild Helianthus species and the cultivated sunflower (H.annuus Line A x H.argophyllus, H.annuus Line A x H.bolanderi, H.annuus Line A x H.debilis.) with the aim of examining their morphological, biometrical, biological and technological characters. An A.N.O.V.A. and path coefficients were made. Results show that these hybrids maintain several characters of wild types although the trend is to get to the cultivated ideotype. A normal desaturation activity is present; moreover, path analisys reveals that oleic acid may be increased by flowering height in H.annuus x H.argophyluss, by leaves number in H.annuus x H.bolanderi and leaf surface in H.annuus x H.debilis.Finally oil content may be increased by unsaturated acids in H.annuus x H.argophyllus and is not influenced by environmental conditions in all three hybrids.

The authors considered three interspecific hybrids between wild Helianthus species and the cultivated sunflower (H. annuus x H. argophyllus, H. annuus x H. bolanderi, H. annus x H. debilis); moreover, an inbred line ("C") was used as tester. Achene germination was studied at different temperature lwels (5, 1O, 15, 20, 25 and 30ºC). Germinarion percentage and germination energy were determined. The wild genotypes germinate better than iine "C" at 10 and 29ºC. Germination energy increases from low to high temperatures for all the accessions, particularly we can say that H.annuus x H.arggophyllus, H.annuus x H.debilis (at 10 and 29ºC) and H. annuus x H. bolanderi (at 25ºC) have a lower medium germination time than line "C".