The present invention relates to a novel mutant allele of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) designated NSMA, which confers white seed color to sunflower plants. The present invention also relates to plants and seeds of the family or line carrying the NSMA allele. In addition, the present invention is also directed to transferring the NSMA allele to plants in the same species lacking the allele, and is useful for producing novel types and varieties of white-seeded sunflowers.
