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This study presents the evaluation of hybrid forms, obtained as a result of interspecific hybridization between four sunflower inbred lines and wild annual H. debilis and H. petiolaris accessions from the collection of wild Helianthus species at Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, on various indices related to their seed oil and protein content. The selected accessions, used as paternal parents in the crosses and the obtained hybrid material, were previously tested and evaluated as resistant to leaves pathogens. The indices 1000 seed weight (g), kernel and hull (%), oil content in kernel (%) and in seed (%), and seed protein content were evaluated. The results showed very good statistical authenticity of the analytical hypothesis that the investigated hybrid forms were with different genetic potential on the studied indices, pointing to the existence of high variability among the used wild germplasm. Hybrid forms, resistant to leaves pathogens, with high oil and protein content were obtained

The investigation was carried out at the Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute – General Toshevo during 2009-2011. Twenty fertility restorer lines were used which were crossed with mother line 3A. The obtained 20 hybrid combinations were investigated within a competitive variety testing, using the best and most widely distributed foreign hybrids and the most common Bulgarian hybrid San Luka as standards. Characters related to productivity were subjected to investigation: seed yield kg/da, percentage compared to the average standard one, oil percentage in the seed, oil yield kg/da, percentage compared to the average standard one. The resistance of the tested hybrids to downy mildew and the parasite broomrape were also determined. During the three years of testing the hybrid combinations demonstrated high production potential, the crosses 3A х 68R, 3A х 105R, 3A х 58R showing the best results. The cross 3A х 105R (Velko) is now being for a second year under official variety testing in Romania and is demonstrating very good results. Due to the very good combining ability of this line, the highly productive Clearfield-tolerant hybrid 3А х BTI-R1 was developed, in which a BASF fertility restorer was involved. When crossed with fertility restorers, line 3A produces very good hybrids which is an evidence for its very good combining ability and makes it especially valuable for breeding aimed at developing sunflower hybrids of a high production potential.