Research emphasizes the collection of additional populations of wild sunflower species to obtain a greater genetic diversity of the genus Helianthus.  Species relationships are investigated using biosystematic approaches to delineate and clarify taxonomic affinities between wild sunflower species.  Develops interspecific hybrids using the vast genetic diversity of the wild species.  Wild species and interspecific germplasm are evaluated as a sources of genes for disease and insect pest resistance and agronomic characteristics for the improvement of cultivated sunflower.