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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #351599
Title: Genetic diversity and domestication history in Pyrus

Author
item Volk, Gayle
item CORNILLE, AMANDINE - French National Institute For Agricultural Research

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/4/2018
Publication Date: 8/13/2019
Citation: Volk, G.M., Cornille, A. 2019. Genetic diversity and domestication history in Pyrus. In Korban SS (ed.) "The Pear Genome". Springer. Switzerland. p. 51-62.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The cultivated pear is a major fruit crop in Eurasia that underpins many local economies. However, its origin and domestication history as well as the diversity of wild pears in natural ecosystems are mostly unexplored. In this chapter, we summarize the described diversity and genetic relationships among wild and cultivated Pyrus species. Non-discriminatory morphological characters, poor diagnostic genetic tools, and lack of access to samples scattered throughout worldwide genebank collections make it difficult to elucidate pear species relationships, and more generally Pyrus diversification and domestication. High-throughput sequencing promises advancements in our understanding of the domestication process of the pear, and the biogeography, taxonomy and ecology of the wild pears. This information will be crucial for future breeding programs focused on improving quality and production traits.