Video presentation of HelEx Project
We are pleased to share a video presentation by Nicolas Langlade, HelEx Project Leader and Research Director at INRAE, discussing the innovative HelEx Project. The HelEx Project is dedicated to developing sunflower varieties that can withstand extreme drought and heat conditions. This initiative not only accelerates the breeding process but also assesses the environmental and […]
The cultivation of sunflower in Europe: a detailed insight
The sunflower (Helianthus annuus), originally from North America, has found a significant place in European agriculture. Its cultivation journey from the New World to becoming a staple crop in Europe showcases this plant’s adaptability and agricultural importance. Historical Journey and Cultivation Expansion The sunflower made its way to Europe in the 16th century, thanks to […]
Sunflower and climate change: a promising future
In a world where climate change is radically reshaping our ecosystems and agricultural practices, the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is emerging as a crop of the future. Adapted to dry conditions and able to withstand high temperatures, it is increasingly at the centre of agricultural research, particularly in Europe, to meet today’s climatic challenges. A legacy […]
Heat resistance, biodiversity services : sunflowers have a bright future
For the first time, an international, multidisciplinary consortium has been set up for sunflower research, bringing together world leaders in ecology, economics, genetics, and biotechnology to sunflower ecology and breeding. The HelEx – Helianthus Extremophiles – project involves 18 partners working on developing new sunflower varieties more resistant to high temperatures and drought while maintaining […]
Launch of HelEx
We are proud to announce the launch of HelEx, our new Horizon Europe project! The primary aim of HelEx is to employ extremophile Helianthus species in order to mitigate the effects of climate change on feedstock and ecosystem services offered by sunflowers. The consortium met last week for an online meeting to begin a four-year collaboration as […]