The transgenic sunflower

M. CANTAMUTTO Y M. POVERENE.

Genetics, Genomics and Breeding Sunflower. Series Editor Prof. Chittaranjan Kole. Volume-editor Dr. Jinguo Hu and Dr. Gerald Seiler

Springer

Año: 2009;

At the beginning of the new millennium, sunflower relies on traditional non-GM varieties, a possible comparative disadvantage in relation to other oilseed crops. Different transformation protocols allowed obtaining desirable transgenic traits: the oxalate-oxidase expressing gene for fungal disease control, glyphosate tolerance by expressing Agrobacterium gene cp4, and the Bt toxin gene cry1 to control Lepidoptera. Ammonium absorption, other herbicide tolerance, Cry1 variants and the CpT1 gene for pest control are new targets. Quality could be improved through a modified protein and latex biosynthesis. The high cost of the GM crop approval process, increased by the probability of gene flow with wild relatives, is constraints for the transgenic sunflower release. Strategies designed to minimize environmental risks and changes in consumer perception are needed before sunflower transgenic varieties become acceptable.