Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrphoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis for determination of genetic purity of sunflower hybrids

SDS-PAGE was used for establishing the genetic identity of sunflower hybrid s and determining percentage genetic purity of F-1 hybrid seeds. The hybrid s differed from each other in terms of the total number of protein bands, p rotein bands in three zones, thickness and intensity of protein bands; and likewise the aberrant were detected within a hybrid. The relative mobility of each protein band, Rm value, provided a basis to distinguish aberrant ty pes within an F-1 hybrid. The hybrids studied differed in both specific and common Rm values, presumably due to the differences in helianthinins in th e hybrids. SDS-PAGE and field grow-out test gave largely similar results. T he possible use of SDS-PAGE technique in routine testing for determination of percentage genetic purity of sunflower hybrid seed lots for commerce is discussed.