Broadening the genetic basis for crop improvement: Interspecific hybridization within and between ploidy levels in helianthus

The genus Helianthus is both economically important and genetically diverse. It contains two important crop species H. annuus and H. tuberosus in addition to being a model for evolutionary studies. The large number of species within the genus and the ability to hybridize makes the use of crop wild relatives as sources of novel phenotypes particularly promising as a way to introduce novel variation. Additionally, the promiscuity of the genus allows for an understanding of the genome dynamics within and between ploidy levels at many different evolutionary distances. Helianthus is an excellent system to study how hybridization can be used to explore the utilization of wild germplasm in crop improvement and how it led to the creation of hybrid sunflower industry. New mating designs and technology combined with the need to develop crops resilient to changing environments will increase the value of wild germplasm.