Genetic Basis for Tuber Production in Helianthus annuus x Helianthus tuberosus Interspecific Hybrids

Perennial crops have been suggested as way to increase sustainable agricultural production while providing multiple ecosystem services (Glover et al., 2010). Tetraploid interspecific hybrids (2n = 4x =68) between the perennial Helianthus tuberosus L. (2n = 6x = 102) and annual H. annuus L. (2n = 2x = 34) are currently being examined for use as a perennial crop (Hulke and Wyse, 2008; Cox et al., 2010). Experimental populations have shown a simple segregation patterns (3:1) for the phenotype of tuber production (Kantar et al., 2013). However, the genotypes of individuals in these populations have not been examined nor genetic maps created for the interspecific hybrid. Here we utilize genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) to generate SNPs within the tetraploid interpecific hybrid. SNPs derived from the population can then be used for linkage mapping and for trait association with tuber production. Positive associations can be used for marker assisted selection to increase the throughput of perennial sunflower breeding programs.