Wild genes to the rescue: High-throughput genomics reveals the wild source of broomrape resistance in sunflower

The co-evolutionary arms race between crops and their parasites requires continuous identification of new resistance mechanisms. Broomrape (Orobanche cumana), a root parasitic plant, poses a severe threat to sunflower (Helianthus annuus) production, yet the genetic architecture underlying host resistance remains poorly understood. To address this, we established a high-throughput phenotyping platform to quantify root infestation across a diverse sunflower association mapping (SAM) population. Combining this phenotypic resource with a dual genome-wide association study (GWAS) strategy based on both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and k-mers, we highlight the genetic basis of broomrape resistance at unprecedented resolution. Our analyses revealed quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and identified novel candidate genes, including putative leucine-rich repeat receptor kinases potentially involved in parasite recognition and defense activation. Importantly, the k-mer approach circumvented reference genome bias and uncovered key genomic introgressions from wild Helianthus relatives that contribute substantially to resistance. These findings demonstrate the utility of integrating high-resolution phenotyping with advanced association mapping to dissect complex host-parasite interactions. Moreover, they emphasize the enduring value of wild germplasm as a reservoir of adaptive variation, providing crop breeders with crucial tools to counter the rapid evolutionary dynamics of parasitic plants.