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Ensuring the genetic diversity of apples

Code: 9781838790004
Publication date: 30/09/2016
Extent: 20 pages

Contributions by: Gayle M. Volk, USDA-ARS-CARR National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, USA

Chapter synopsis: Widely-used apple cultivars exhibit low resistance to pathogens and low tolerance to climatic threats. This chapter reviews the threats to apple production and the resulting need for new varieties of apple. It considers the advantages of using progenitor species of Malus × domestica in traditional breeding programs. It discusses the genetic diversity of apples, capturing and maintaining this diversity, and ensuring that researchers and breeders have access to living apple accessions. The roles of genebanks, such as the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System, are emphasized in the discussion of how to meet these challenges. Finally, new technologies are considered as means to further facilitate the use of wild apple genetic resources in breeding programs.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0017.01
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Table of contents
  1. Introduction: the importance of apples
  2. Threats to production and the need for new varieties
  3. Sources of genetic diversity
  4. Understanding Malus diversity
  5. Capturing, maintaining and accessing genetic diversity
  6. Future trends: new technologies to facilitate enhanced and sustainable crop production
  7. Where to look for further information
  8. References

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