On-field phenotypic evaluation of sunflower populations for broad-spectrum resistance to Verticillium leaf mottle and wilt

Sunflower Verticillium Wilt and Leaf Mottle (SVW), caused by Verticillium dahliae (Kleb.; Vd), is a soil-borne disease affecting sunflower worldwide. A single dominant locus, known as V1, was formerly effective in controlling North-American Vd races, whereas races from Argentina, Europe and an emerging race from USA overcome its resistance. This emphasizes the need for identifying broad-spectrum genetic resistance (BSR) sources. Here we characterize two sunflower mapping populations (MPs) for SVW resistance: a biparental MP and the association MP from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), under field growing conditions. Nine field-trials (FTs) were conducted in highly infested fields in the most SVW-affected region of Argentina. Several disease descriptors (DDs), including incidence and severity, were scored across four phenological stages. Generalized linear models were fitted according to the nature of each variable, adjusting mean phenotypes for inbred lines across and within FTs. Comparison of these responses allowed the identification of novel BSR sources. Furthermore, we present the first report of SVW resistance heritability, with estimates ranging from 35 to 45% for DDs related to disease incidence and severity, respectively. This study constitutes the largest SVW resistance characterization reported to date in sunflower, identifying valuable genetic resources for BSR-breeding to cope with a pathogen of increasing importance worldwide.