RAPD ANALYSIS OF LINES DERIVED FROM INTERSPECIFIC CROSS Helianthus annuus L. × Helianthus salicifolius

SUMMARY Interspecific hybridization is frequently restricted by genetic cross incompatibilities, genetic distances and different ploidy levels. To overcome this incompatibility a direct organogenesis method has been used successfully. Different molecular methods have been used for verification of success interspecific and intergeneric crosses. It could be demonstrated by results of RAPD fingerprinting that interspecific hybridization is also a valuable tool for broadening genetic variability in sunflower. The successful hybridization between (H. annuus (cv. Albena) × H. salisifolius) was achieved. In total 21 RAPD primers (10 bp) length were used for the characterization of interspecific progenies. We were able to demonstrate that RAPD could be used for characterization of interspecific progenies in sunflower at a late stage of selection (F9). It was possible to discriminate between the H. annuus parents and their progenies, where an increased genetic variability was detected. Results of UPGMA cluster analysis confirmed the hybrid nature of the interspecific lines and showed that hybrid progenies which originate in the same cross combination formed specific cluster each, i.e., distinct genetic pools.