D. Valkova*, G. Georgiev, N. Nenova, V. Encheva, J. Encheva

Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, 9520 General Toshevo, Bulgaria

Abstract. InterspecifichybridizationwascarriedoutbetweensterileanaloguesofcultivatedsunflowerlineswithnormalcytoplasmandwildannualHelianthus petiolaris accessions from a collection of DAI-General Toshevo. The obtained F1 progenies were characterized from morphological, phenological, biochemical and phytopathological point of view. Hybrid forms with resistance to leaves pathogens, downy mildew and broomrape were obtained. They were distinguished with diversity of seed oil content. The most variable phenological phases of hybrid plants from all crosses were duration of flowering period and germination. The hybrid plants from crosses 325 A x E-142 and 813 A x E-142 were characterized with higher seed oil content than the other studied crosses. All hybrid plants, originating from wild Helianthus petiolaris accession E-142 were resistant (100%) to downy mildew and to the parasite broomrape. They were also with immune type of reaction to the leaves pathogens and with the highest oil content in seeds. Among the included in the investigation accessions, E-142 was characterized with the highest crossability. The hybrid plants of the crosses included in this study were carriers of Rf genes and could be used for developing restorer lines.