Breeding Sunflowers for the Future: Genetic Improvements for Climate Change and Crop Sustainability

Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) plays a critical role in global food security and is the world’s fourth-largest oilseed crop, serving as a vital source of edible oil, confectionery products, and global nutrition. This book offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art guide to sunflower genetic improvement, providing information on modern plant breeding, genomics, biotechnology, and seed science. This essential reference equips readers to break through yield plateaus, restore genetic diversity, and combat evolving biotic and abiotic stresses. It examines how genomic tools, tissue culture and climate resilience techniques can bridge traditional hybrid-breeding strategies. Written by internationally recognized breeders with extensive experience across global agricultural research institutes (including CGIAR centers, SLU, and UOS). The book offers practical science-driven strategies to accelerate breeding cycles and optimize oil quality. This essential reference serves researchers, molecular breeders, seed industry professionals, academics, and agricultural policymakers seeking sustainable solutions to safeguard global food security.