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Title: Development of a strategy to conserve worldwide apple genetic resources

Author
item Volk, Gayle
item Hummer, Kim
item BRAMEL, PAULA - Global Crop Diversity Trust

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2015
Publication Date: 6/15/2015
Citation: Volk, G.M., Hummer, K.E., Bramel, P. 2015. Development of a strategy to conserve worldwide apple genetic resources [abstract]. XIV Eucarpia Fruit Breeding and Genetics Symposium. Available: http://www.eucarpiafruit2015.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/eucarpia2k15programme.pdf.

Interpretive Summary: Access to diverse apple (Malus) genetic resources is critical for future breeding efforts and improved production of this important tree fruit species. Wild Malus species offer desirable sources of resistance to pathogens as well as tolerance to abiotic stress. Novel cultivars may have unique allelic combinations that provide adaptations to changing climatic patterns. Many countries have national or institutional collections of apple cultivars and species that are often maintained under field conditions. A Global Conservation Strategy for Apple is being developed to coordinate the conservation of apple genetic resources in genebanks. As part of this plan, apple collections worldwide have been surveyed to determine their conservation status, vulnerability, and use. This information has been compiled and will be used as the community works together to determine at-risk collections, to document available resources, and to establish genebank recommendations for improved management of apple genetic resources.

Technical Abstract: Access to diverse apple (Malus) genetic resources is critical for future breeding efforts and improved production of this important tree fruit species. Wild Malus species offer desirable sources of resistance to pathogens as well as tolerance to abiotic stress. Novel cultivars may have unique allelic combinations that provide adaptations to changing climatic patterns. Many countries have national or institutional collections of apple cultivars and species that are often maintained under field conditions. A Global Conservation Strategy for Apple is being developed to coordinate the conservation of apple genetic resources in genebanks. As part of this plan, apple collections worldwide have been surveyed to determine their conservation status, vulnerability, and use. This information has been compiled and will be used as the community works together to determine at-risk collections, to document available resources, and to establish genebank recommendations for improved management of apple genetic resources.