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Forever Green researchers are breeding and developing a perennial sunflower for agricultural production that has the potential to provide similar end-use applications as annual sunflower, as well as new options for farmers to diversify their operations while improving profits and providing environmental benefits.
Helianthus tuberosus L., a tuber-bearing perennial sunflower species, is a prime candidate for the introduction of perenniality into domestic sunflower. The overwintering tubers of the perennial sunflower are the key to its perenniality and breeders are finding they can identify and select plants for good plant vigor, single stalk habit, and large head and seed traits with high oil and protein content.