Top-seeded research

Queensland research is cutting the time and cost of seed line improvements by using DNA markers to identify high-yielding sunflower seeds.

A technique developed at Griffith University's Faculty of Environmental Sciences by PhD student Snezana Dukic detects superior seeds by testing a marker for male fertility in their DNA.

The research was conducted in conjunction with Pacific Seeds, one of Australia's leading hybrid agricultural seed breeding and marketing companies.

The DNA technique has not previously been applied to plant diagnosis, according to Dukic.

It has the potential to replace more time-consuming and expensive methods of reducing genetic defects and producing higher yielding crops.

"The research I'm conducting is testing the DNA of sunflowers to identify genetically pure seeds, which are likely to produce the best crops.

"Up until now, we've had to wait until sunflowers were fully grown and flowering before testing their purity."

Similar tests could be applied to sorghum and canola, she said.

The research promises to boost sunflower crop production and reinforces Queensland's position as a leading Australian biotech centre, according to Employment and Training Minister Matt Foley.