Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops but it has been found prone to many fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, particularly sunflower mosaic virus (SuMV). Since no effective chemical control measures are available, host resistance remains the most sustainable management strategy. To evaluate the resistance of selected sunflower genotypes against SuMV using serological assay (DAS-ELISA) and molecular confirmation (RT-PCR), eleven sunflower genotypes were screened under glasshouse conditions using mechanical inoculation. Symptom expressed was recorded and plants were further tested through DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR targeting the coat protein gene of potyvirus. Three genotypes (KBSH-41, KBSH-53, and AHT-5) exhibited complete resistance, showing no visible symptoms, negative ELISA results and absence of amplification in RT-PCR. The remaining eight genotypes displayed varying degrees of mosaic, mottling and chlorotic lesions with disease incidence ranging from 22 % to 42 %. RT-PCR confirmed SuMV presence in symptomatic plants, producing a 500 bp amplicon and DAS- ELISA results showed positive results in symptomatic plants. These findings highlight KBSH-41, KBSH-53 and AHT-5 as promising resistant sources for SuMV management, suitable for resistance breeding programs. The integration of phenotypic, serological and molecular assays provides a reliable framework for screening resistance in sunflower.

Sunflower, Sunflower mosaic virus, Resistance, RT-PCR, DAS-ELISA, Genotype Screening

Virus-resistant genotypes act as barriers to disease spread and can enhance sunflower productivity. In this study, KBSH-41, KBSH-53 and AHT-5 were identified as resistant, showing no viral symptoms, negative ELISA reactions, and absence of viral amplicons in RT-PCR. These genotypes represent valuable sources for resistance breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars with durable resistance. The disease incidence patterns revealed significant genetic variability among susceptible genotypes, with Ganga Kaveri being the most vulnerable. Early resistance screening under controlled inoculation conditions is essential, as SuMV is most damaging at early crop stages. The combined use of phenotypic, serological, and molecular assays ensures accurate resistance identification and should be adopted for large-scale germplasm evaluation.

Sangeeta Sabanna Bhajantri, Swathi B., Ashwini B. N., Hanumanth Koravar and Siddu Lakshmi Prasanna (2025). Screening of Sunflower Genotypes for Resistance to Sunflower Mosaic Virus using Molecular and Serological Assays. Biological Forum, 17(9): 89-93.