Identification of sunflower (Helianthus annuus, Asteraceae) hybrids using simple-sequence repeat markers.

Hybrid identification of 16 sunflower hybrids was confirmed using simple-sequence repeat methodology. Of 20 specific simple-sequence repeat primers, 18 authenticated the purity of these hybrids; the remaining two specific primer pairs gave ambiguous DNA fragments. The results indicate that simple-sequence repeat analysis for the identification of hybrids derived from the crossing of different inbred sunflower lines can improve the accuracy of selection, save time and reduce cost.