Breeding, production, and supply chain of confection sunflower in China

Over the past 40 years, confection sunflower in China has achieved significant improvements from old landraces to open-pollinated varieties (OPV) through conventional breeding. Starting 2010, after a short period of growing U.S. hybrids, superior Chinese proprietary hybrids were developed contributions both private and public sectors utilizing landraces, OPV limited foreign germplasms as genetic resources which eventually enabled become leading producer worldwide. The average yields have steadily increased 1730 kg/ha over 2700 (hybrid) largely due advanced cultivation practices. planted area is expected remain at around 0.60 M ha, with 95% sunflower, remaining 5% oilseed type. Sunflower production mainly concentrated 10 provinces northwest region three-fourth Inner Mongolia, followed by Xinjiang. potential for remains optimistic those regions benefit an established industrial supply chain producing, processing, marketing near areas. More than half all products domestically consumed (∼2.0 T/year), but overseas exports gradually recent years. Future directions breeding should continue emphasizing high quality, multi-disease resistance, product versatility meet diverse market demands. Further enhancement variety registration implementation DNA fingerprinting identification will help sustainable development industry.