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BULLETIN 1
Director-General champions innovation and collaboration at 44th Session of the FAO Conference
©FAO/Alessandra Benedetti
FAO 03/07/2025
Rome – The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, concluded the 44th Session of the FAO Conference (28 June – 4 July) by emphasizing the imperative for a robust FAO in light of the immense, complex, and interconnected challenges facing humanity. He articulated four fundamental truths derived from discussions among Members: (i) Resilience is built, not given; (ii) Innovation is our lever; (iii) Partnerships are the DNA of our humanity; and (iv) Targeted action yields tangible results.
In his opening remarks at the Conference, on 30 June, Qu had already highlighted the pivotal moment for transforming global agrifood systems, calling for ambitious, science-based, and inclusive actions to advance the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, ensuring that no one is left behind.
"Let this 44th Session be remembered as the moment we saw hope amid difficulties, and we collectively chose a positive approach, with forward thinking and real multilateralism," he said, urging Members to move beyond rhetoric and work together with determination and creativity.
In fact, FAO seized this year’s Conference to reinforce its role as a catalyst for practical multilateral cooperation aimed at addressing today’s most pressing agrifood challenges.
Throughout the Conference, the Director-General engaged in several side events, launched reports, inaugurated new technical rooms, and held multiple bilateral meetings with ministers and other high-level representatives, among other activities.
Four Betters for life
On the first day of the Conference, on 28 June, the Director-General introduced H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th UN General Assembly, to deliver the 2025 McDougall Memorial Lecture.
In his presentation, Yang emphasized that food security involves more than just having enough food to eat; it is an integral and interconnected aspect of the UN’s three pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and the safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
He praised FAO’s vision of the Four Betters: “We should make these Four Betters part of our daily life,” and highlighted that agrifood systems represent the world’s largest economic network, influencing nearly every aspect of life on our planet. Yang urged all FAO Members to adopt a “problem-oriented” approach and show the resolve to make abundance accessible for all.
Status of Youth
One of the week’s highlights was the launch of the report The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems. This report explores technical and policy initiatives aimed at creating decent job opportunities, enhancing food security and nutrition, and bolstering the resilience of young people in the face of shocks. It positions youth as key change agents in the agricultural sector, identifying them as the next generation of producers, processors, service providers, and consumers.
"We welcome all the youth from all over the world to change the global agrifood system. We firmly believe that youth are key to the Four Betters. That's a global movement. Be friendly with youth, be bright to the future," said the Director-General during the launch event.
A new financing facility against food crises
Also on the sidelines of the Conference, FAO launched the Financing for Shock-Driven Food Crisis (FSFC) Facility, a mechanism that builds on the existing initiatives to anticipate and prevent escalating food emergencies before they occur.
At the launch event, the FAO Director-General called for a fundamental shift in how the world responds to food crisis – moving from reactive emergency aid to anticipatory action and financing.
“Each year, millions of people are pushed into hunger due to droughts, floods, conflict, and economic shocks,” Qu said noting that the response often comes after crises have spiralled out of control and escalated into full-blown emergencies. “The FSFC is designed to change that paradigm. It offers a new model of anticipatory action, built on a simple but powerful truth: it is more effective – and more cost-efficient – to act before a crisis becomes a catastrophe.”
Strengthening FAO's normative mandate
Another significant highlight was the first ever Treaty Ceremony reinforcing FAO’s normative role.
The Ceremony featured the formal deposit of legal instruments related to some of the 17 treaties adopted under Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. These treaties provide frameworks for cooperation in areas such as animal health, plant protection, fisheries, aquaculture, and desert locust control. They also help ensure that countries work together to address threats that transcend borders and require shared technical solutions.
“Each deposit is a powerful sovereign act, contributing to joint action to the benefit of people and the planet, in line with FAO’s mandate,” the Director-General said.
Driving innovation through the Four Betters
Three roundtables were organized during the Conference Plenary proceedings to highlight how the Four Betters are pivotal and cross-cutting to FAO’s work.
During the roundtable on the Four Betters for innovation and agrifood systems transformation, Qu emphasized the necessity of integrated thinking – combining digital technologies, institutional reform, and cross-sector collaboration. Flagship projects, such as the Agro-Informatics Platform and the 1000 Digital Villages initiative, were showcased to exemplify FAO's commitment to real-time solutions that directly support farmers.
At the roundtable focused on the Four Betters for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), the Director-General underscored the specific challenges faced by these vulnerable nations.
He highlighted the compounded effects of fragility, reliance on food imports, and environmental shocks, advocating for more resilient and forward-looking strategies. Ministers from the Bahamas, Madagascar, Nepal, and Paraguay echoed this call, emphasizing the urgent need for support for smallholders, youth, and climate-resilient value chains.
Additionally, SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs had their voice heard during a high-level ministerial event, in which those countries adopted a ministerial statement urging FAO to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan for the transformation of agrifood systems, focusing on their specific priorities.
In his opening remarks to the event, the Director-General emphasized the urgency of accelerating efficient, inclusive, resilient, sustainable and country-led agrifood systems transformation in most vulnerable states.
“When agrifood systems thrive, economies grow, health improves, and societies flourish,” Qu said. “Investments in innovation, technology, nutrition, and sustainable financing are not isolated, but are part of an overarching transformation designed to leave no one behind.”
At the roundtable “Four Betters for the Future – Delivering Good Food for All – Today and Tomorrow,” the Director-General emphasized that technology and innovation are pivotal in driving change. He further noted that agrifood systems are the foundation of our societies, economies and environment, highlighting the need for more functional and efficient agrifood systems in developing countries.
New FAO dedicated technical rooms
Another high moment of the week was the inauguration of two new technical rooms at the Organization’s headquarters in Rome: the Liberia Situation Room and the Netherlands Acceleration Zone. These state-of-the-art facilities are set to significantly enhance the Organization’s efficiency and effectiveness in delivering its mandate.
The Liberia Situation Room is a cutting-edge facility designed as a real-time, data and science driven decision support hub for early warning systems for shocks impacting food security. The Netherlands Acceleration Zone is designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the Organization.
Other events and bilateral meetings
Partnerships and solidarity took center stage in the South-South Cooperation side event, where Qu praised China and Brazil's leadership and noted that we need to expand training to the Global South on agrifood systems and rural development policy through enabling policies. He also encouraged cross-continent cooperation across Asia, Near East and Africa starting with one country, one commodity.
The 2025 FAO Champion and Partnership Awards honoured organizations from Colombia, Egypt and the Philippines for their impact on agrifood transformation. "These Awards are more than an acknowledgment of achievements – they represent FAO's core values and aspirations," said Qu. "The ceremony is a celebration of possibility and hope."
In addition, the Director-General presided over the closing of the International Year of Camelids 2024, highlighting the animals' cultural and ecological significance. "From camelids, we can learn to face challenges and build resilience as human beings," he remarked, calling for the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Qu also addressed young foresters during "Forest Harmonies," an event celebrating FAO's 80th Anniversary. He noted: "Young people are transforming how trees are used to make instruments," and praised youth-led innovations that promote sustainable sourcing. The gathering also spotlighted threats to rare tone woods and the role of cultural exchange in forest conservation.
FAO's enhanced Transparency Portal and Programme & Project Dashboards were unveiled. "I have prioritized digital transformation – not as an end in itself, but as a way to better serve you, our Members," said Qu. "Transparency is not only about sharing data; it is about building trust, enabling accountability and supporting evidence-based decision-making."
Throughout the week, the Director-General also held approximately 50 bilateral meetings with Ministers and high-level officials from around the world, reinforcing Member engagement at the highest levels.
See https://www.fao.org/director-general/news/details/director-general-champions-innovation-and-collaboration-at-44th-session-of-the-fao-conference/en
In his opening remarks at the Conference, on 30 June, Qu had already highlighted the pivotal moment for transforming global agrifood systems, calling for ambitious, science-based, and inclusive actions to advance the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, ensuring that no one is left behind.
"Let this 44th Session be remembered as the moment we saw hope amid difficulties, and we collectively chose a positive approach, with forward thinking and real multilateralism," he said, urging Members to move beyond rhetoric and work together with determination and creativity.
In fact, FAO seized this year’s Conference to reinforce its role as a catalyst for practical multilateral cooperation aimed at addressing today’s most pressing agrifood challenges.
Throughout the Conference, the Director-General engaged in several side events, launched reports, inaugurated new technical rooms, and held multiple bilateral meetings with ministers and other high-level representatives, among other activities.
Four Betters for life
On the first day of the Conference, on 28 June, the Director-General introduced H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th UN General Assembly, to deliver the 2025 McDougall Memorial Lecture.
In his presentation, Yang emphasized that food security involves more than just having enough food to eat; it is an integral and interconnected aspect of the UN’s three pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and the safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
He praised FAO’s vision of the Four Betters: “We should make these Four Betters part of our daily life,” and highlighted that agrifood systems represent the world’s largest economic network, influencing nearly every aspect of life on our planet. Yang urged all FAO Members to adopt a “problem-oriented” approach and show the resolve to make abundance accessible for all.
Status of Youth
One of the week’s highlights was the launch of the report The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems. This report explores technical and policy initiatives aimed at creating decent job opportunities, enhancing food security and nutrition, and bolstering the resilience of young people in the face of shocks. It positions youth as key change agents in the agricultural sector, identifying them as the next generation of producers, processors, service providers, and consumers.
"We welcome all the youth from all over the world to change the global agrifood system. We firmly believe that youth are key to the Four Betters. That's a global movement. Be friendly with youth, be bright to the future," said the Director-General during the launch event.
A new financing facility against food crises
Also on the sidelines of the Conference, FAO launched the Financing for Shock-Driven Food Crisis (FSFC) Facility, a mechanism that builds on the existing initiatives to anticipate and prevent escalating food emergencies before they occur.
At the launch event, the FAO Director-General called for a fundamental shift in how the world responds to food crisis – moving from reactive emergency aid to anticipatory action and financing.
“Each year, millions of people are pushed into hunger due to droughts, floods, conflict, and economic shocks,” Qu said noting that the response often comes after crises have spiralled out of control and escalated into full-blown emergencies. “The FSFC is designed to change that paradigm. It offers a new model of anticipatory action, built on a simple but powerful truth: it is more effective – and more cost-efficient – to act before a crisis becomes a catastrophe.”
Strengthening FAO's normative mandate
Another significant highlight was the first ever Treaty Ceremony reinforcing FAO’s normative role.
The Ceremony featured the formal deposit of legal instruments related to some of the 17 treaties adopted under Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. These treaties provide frameworks for cooperation in areas such as animal health, plant protection, fisheries, aquaculture, and desert locust control. They also help ensure that countries work together to address threats that transcend borders and require shared technical solutions.
“Each deposit is a powerful sovereign act, contributing to joint action to the benefit of people and the planet, in line with FAO’s mandate,” the Director-General said.
Driving innovation through the Four Betters
Three roundtables were organized during the Conference Plenary proceedings to highlight how the Four Betters are pivotal and cross-cutting to FAO’s work.
During the roundtable on the Four Betters for innovation and agrifood systems transformation, Qu emphasized the necessity of integrated thinking – combining digital technologies, institutional reform, and cross-sector collaboration. Flagship projects, such as the Agro-Informatics Platform and the 1000 Digital Villages initiative, were showcased to exemplify FAO's commitment to real-time solutions that directly support farmers.
At the roundtable focused on the Four Betters for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), the Director-General underscored the specific challenges faced by these vulnerable nations.
He highlighted the compounded effects of fragility, reliance on food imports, and environmental shocks, advocating for more resilient and forward-looking strategies. Ministers from the Bahamas, Madagascar, Nepal, and Paraguay echoed this call, emphasizing the urgent need for support for smallholders, youth, and climate-resilient value chains.
Additionally, SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs had their voice heard during a high-level ministerial event, in which those countries adopted a ministerial statement urging FAO to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan for the transformation of agrifood systems, focusing on their specific priorities.
In his opening remarks to the event, the Director-General emphasized the urgency of accelerating efficient, inclusive, resilient, sustainable and country-led agrifood systems transformation in most vulnerable states.
“When agrifood systems thrive, economies grow, health improves, and societies flourish,” Qu said. “Investments in innovation, technology, nutrition, and sustainable financing are not isolated, but are part of an overarching transformation designed to leave no one behind.”
At the roundtable “Four Betters for the Future – Delivering Good Food for All – Today and Tomorrow,” the Director-General emphasized that technology and innovation are pivotal in driving change. He further noted that agrifood systems are the foundation of our societies, economies and environment, highlighting the need for more functional and efficient agrifood systems in developing countries.
New FAO dedicated technical rooms
Another high moment of the week was the inauguration of two new technical rooms at the Organization’s headquarters in Rome: the Liberia Situation Room and the Netherlands Acceleration Zone. These state-of-the-art facilities are set to significantly enhance the Organization’s efficiency and effectiveness in delivering its mandate.
The Liberia Situation Room is a cutting-edge facility designed as a real-time, data and science driven decision support hub for early warning systems for shocks impacting food security. The Netherlands Acceleration Zone is designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the Organization.
Other events and bilateral meetings
Partnerships and solidarity took center stage in the South-South Cooperation side event, where Qu praised China and Brazil's leadership and noted that we need to expand training to the Global South on agrifood systems and rural development policy through enabling policies. He also encouraged cross-continent cooperation across Asia, Near East and Africa starting with one country, one commodity.
The 2025 FAO Champion and Partnership Awards honoured organizations from Colombia, Egypt and the Philippines for their impact on agrifood transformation. "These Awards are more than an acknowledgment of achievements – they represent FAO's core values and aspirations," said Qu. "The ceremony is a celebration of possibility and hope."
In addition, the Director-General presided over the closing of the International Year of Camelids 2024, highlighting the animals' cultural and ecological significance. "From camelids, we can learn to face challenges and build resilience as human beings," he remarked, calling for the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Qu also addressed young foresters during "Forest Harmonies," an event celebrating FAO's 80th Anniversary. He noted: "Young people are transforming how trees are used to make instruments," and praised youth-led innovations that promote sustainable sourcing. The gathering also spotlighted threats to rare tone woods and the role of cultural exchange in forest conservation.
FAO's enhanced Transparency Portal and Programme & Project Dashboards were unveiled. "I have prioritized digital transformation – not as an end in itself, but as a way to better serve you, our Members," said Qu. "Transparency is not only about sharing data; it is about building trust, enabling accountability and supporting evidence-based decision-making."
Throughout the week, the Director-General also held approximately 50 bilateral meetings with Ministers and high-level officials from around the world, reinforcing Member engagement at the highest levels.
See https://www.fao.org/director-general/news/details/director-general-champions-innovation-and-collaboration-at-44th-session-of-the-fao-conference/en
BULLETIN 2
FAO Food Price Index up slightly in June due to higher meat, dairy and vegetable oil prices
Figure: Palm and soybean oil for sale at the Klongtoey market in Bangkok, Thailand. ©FAO/Lilliane Suwanrumpha
FAO 04/07/2025
Rome – The FAO Food Price Index, a benchmark for world food commodity prices, averaged 128.0 points in June 2025, up 0.5 percent from May. Although international prices of cereals and sugar fell, these declines were outweighed by higher prices for dairy products, meat and vegetable oils.
The index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally traded food commodities, was, in June 2025, 5.8 percent higher compared to its level a year earlier but remained well below its peak in March 2022.
The FAO Cereal Price Index fell by 1.5 percent in June from the previous month. World maize prices declined sharply for the second month amid abundant supplies from Argentina and Brazil. Prices of sorghum and barley also decreased. Wheat prices, by contrast, increased due to weather-related concerns in parts of the European Union (EU), the Russian Federation and the United States of America (USA). International rice prices dipped slightly, primarily for Indica varieties, reflecting softer demand.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose by 2.3 percent from May, led by gains in palm, soy and rapeseed oils. International palm oil prices climbed nearly 5 percent on strong global demand. Soy oil prices also rose in June driven by expectations of higher biofuel demand in Brazil and the USA, as well as higher soybean prices in South America amid firm international demand. Rapeseed oil prices also rose amid tight global supply outlooks, while sunflower oil prices eased on improved production prospects in the Black Sea region.
The FAO Meat Price Index increased by 2.1 percent in June, reaching a new all-time high. World prices of bovine, pig and ovine meats all rose, while poultry meat prices continued to fall.
The FAO Dairy Price Index rose by 0.5 percent in June compared to the previous month, with butter prices reaching a new record high amid tight supplies in Oceania and the EU, coupled with continued strong demand from Asia. Cheese prices increased for the third consecutive month, while the prices of skim and whole milk powders declined due to subdued global demand and ample supplies.
The FAO Sugar Price Index was down 5.2 percent from May, marking its fourth consecutive monthly decline and reaching its lowest level since April 2021. The decrease reflects improved production outlooks in Brazil, India and Thailand, where favourable weather and expanded plantings should result in higher outputs.
Global cereal production projected to reach a record high
FAO also released a new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief on Friday, with new insights on crop prospects in 2025/26.
FAO’s latest forecast foresees global cereal production in 2025 to reach an all-time high of 2 925 million tonnes, up 0.5 percent from last month and 2.3 percent above the 2024 level. The upward revision is driven by improved outlooks for wheat, maize and rice. However, forecasts for hot and dry weather in parts of key producing regions may impact yield potential, particularly for maize.
Wheat output is now forecast at 805.3 million tonnes, boosted by higher-than-expected yields in India and Pakistan. Global maize production is also forecast to increase, driven by favourable conditions in Brazil and a larger-than-anticipated planted area in India, offsetting reductions in Ukraine and the EU due to dry weather and reduced planted areas. Global rice production in 2025/26 is anticipated to reach a record level of 555.6 million tonnes (milled basis), buoyed by improved prospects in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Viet Nam, and despite expected declines in Iraq and the US.
Global cereal utilization in 2025/26 is forecast at 2 900 million tonnes, up 0.8 percent from 2024/25. Utilization of coarse grains has been revised upward, while the forecasts for wheat use has been slightly lowered. Rice consumption is expected to increase further, spurred by rising food demand and sustained ethanol production in India.
World cereal stocks at the end of the 2025/26 season are forecast to reach 889.1 million tonnes, representing a 2.2 rise from their opening levels. The global cereal stocks-to-use ratio is now expected to rise to 30.3 percent, suggesting a relatively comfortable supply outlook.
Global trade in cereals in 2025/26 is predicted to reach 486.9 million tonnes, up 1.2 percent from 2024/25. Exports of both wheat and rice are forecast to increase, with rice trade reaching an all-time high of 60.8 million tonnes. Maize trade is forecast to decline slightly, while trade in barley and sorghum will likely rise.
The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), hosted by FAO, also published its monthly Market Monitor on Friday. In addition to the regular market analysis, the new edition features an article on strategic grain reserves (SGRs) and food security, outlining guiding principles to keep SGRs small, simple and smart.
See https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-food-price-index-up-slightly-in-june-due-to-higher-meat--dairy-and-vegetable-oil-prices/en
The index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally traded food commodities, was, in June 2025, 5.8 percent higher compared to its level a year earlier but remained well below its peak in March 2022.
The FAO Cereal Price Index fell by 1.5 percent in June from the previous month. World maize prices declined sharply for the second month amid abundant supplies from Argentina and Brazil. Prices of sorghum and barley also decreased. Wheat prices, by contrast, increased due to weather-related concerns in parts of the European Union (EU), the Russian Federation and the United States of America (USA). International rice prices dipped slightly, primarily for Indica varieties, reflecting softer demand.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose by 2.3 percent from May, led by gains in palm, soy and rapeseed oils. International palm oil prices climbed nearly 5 percent on strong global demand. Soy oil prices also rose in June driven by expectations of higher biofuel demand in Brazil and the USA, as well as higher soybean prices in South America amid firm international demand. Rapeseed oil prices also rose amid tight global supply outlooks, while sunflower oil prices eased on improved production prospects in the Black Sea region.
The FAO Meat Price Index increased by 2.1 percent in June, reaching a new all-time high. World prices of bovine, pig and ovine meats all rose, while poultry meat prices continued to fall.
The FAO Dairy Price Index rose by 0.5 percent in June compared to the previous month, with butter prices reaching a new record high amid tight supplies in Oceania and the EU, coupled with continued strong demand from Asia. Cheese prices increased for the third consecutive month, while the prices of skim and whole milk powders declined due to subdued global demand and ample supplies.
The FAO Sugar Price Index was down 5.2 percent from May, marking its fourth consecutive monthly decline and reaching its lowest level since April 2021. The decrease reflects improved production outlooks in Brazil, India and Thailand, where favourable weather and expanded plantings should result in higher outputs.
Global cereal production projected to reach a record high
FAO also released a new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief on Friday, with new insights on crop prospects in 2025/26.
FAO’s latest forecast foresees global cereal production in 2025 to reach an all-time high of 2 925 million tonnes, up 0.5 percent from last month and 2.3 percent above the 2024 level. The upward revision is driven by improved outlooks for wheat, maize and rice. However, forecasts for hot and dry weather in parts of key producing regions may impact yield potential, particularly for maize.
Wheat output is now forecast at 805.3 million tonnes, boosted by higher-than-expected yields in India and Pakistan. Global maize production is also forecast to increase, driven by favourable conditions in Brazil and a larger-than-anticipated planted area in India, offsetting reductions in Ukraine and the EU due to dry weather and reduced planted areas. Global rice production in 2025/26 is anticipated to reach a record level of 555.6 million tonnes (milled basis), buoyed by improved prospects in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Viet Nam, and despite expected declines in Iraq and the US.
Global cereal utilization in 2025/26 is forecast at 2 900 million tonnes, up 0.8 percent from 2024/25. Utilization of coarse grains has been revised upward, while the forecasts for wheat use has been slightly lowered. Rice consumption is expected to increase further, spurred by rising food demand and sustained ethanol production in India.
World cereal stocks at the end of the 2025/26 season are forecast to reach 889.1 million tonnes, representing a 2.2 rise from their opening levels. The global cereal stocks-to-use ratio is now expected to rise to 30.3 percent, suggesting a relatively comfortable supply outlook.
Global trade in cereals in 2025/26 is predicted to reach 486.9 million tonnes, up 1.2 percent from 2024/25. Exports of both wheat and rice are forecast to increase, with rice trade reaching an all-time high of 60.8 million tonnes. Maize trade is forecast to decline slightly, while trade in barley and sorghum will likely rise.
The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), hosted by FAO, also published its monthly Market Monitor on Friday. In addition to the regular market analysis, the new edition features an article on strategic grain reserves (SGRs) and food security, outlining guiding principles to keep SGRs small, simple and smart.
See https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-food-price-index-up-slightly-in-june-due-to-higher-meat--dairy-and-vegetable-oil-prices/en
SCIENTIFIC NEWS
Understanding genetic architecture overcomes tradeoffs between seed quality and insect resistance
Joseph R. White, James P. McNellie, Kyle G. Keepers, Brian C. Smart, Zoe M. Portlas, Zach E. Marcus, Nolan C. Kane, Jarrad R. Prasifka & Brent S. Hulke
Theoretical and Applied Genetics; July 4 2025; vol.138; article 173
Joseph R. White, James P. McNellie, Kyle G. Keepers, Brian C. Smart, Zoe M. Portlas, Zach E. Marcus, Nolan C. Kane, Jarrad R. Prasifka & Brent S. Hulke
Theoretical and Applied Genetics; July 4 2025; vol.138; article 173
Abstract
The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) pericarp protects the seed within from both abiotic and biotic stresses. Achenes with stronger pericarps are less susceptible to damage from insect feeding. Complicating the genetic improvement of pericarp strength is the negative correlation between pericarp thickness (a component of strength) and oil content. As breeding efforts have increased oil content, there has been a concomitant decrease in pericarp thickness. One breeding goal is to improve oil content while preserving pericarp strength through genetic mechanisms independent of the tradeoffs with pericarp thickness. To determine the genetic basis of oil content, pericarp strength, and thickness, we identified QTL in two populations: the Sunflower Association Mapping panel (Mandel et al. in Theor Appl Genet 123:693–704, 2011) and a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a thin pericarp oilseed inbred (HA 467) crossed to a thick pericarp open-pollinated variety from Türkiye (PI 170415). A region on chromosome 15 was associated with neighboring QTL for banded moth resistance, oil content, and pericarp thickness, partially underlying the trade-offs among these traits. Additional QTL on chromosome 5 and 14 for pericarp strength provide fewer trade-offs with oil content. QTL for pericarp strength on chromosome 5 and pericarp thickness on chromosome 16 were associated with large structural variants on chromosome 5 and putative structural variation on chromosome 16, with candidate gene presence/absence variation between the haplotypes on chromosome 5. Understanding the origin and nature of phenotypic tradeoffs is beneficial to plant biologists and sunflower breeders as they seek to understand the origin and genetic architecture of adaptive and maladaptive traits.
See https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00122-025-04941-9
