Comprehensive study of Malus genus resources for the creation of adaptive grades

Abstract

The breeding renewal of the apple assortment in the conditions of southern fruit growing in Russia on the basis of domestic achievements is due to the acceleration of the breeding process associated with an in-depth study of the existing gene pool of culture, the widespread use of the samples most valuable in terms of the quality of the products obtained to create commercially demanded grades of regional breeding. The aim of the study is to isolate, on the basis of a long-term comprehensive study in the conditions of the Western Ciscaucasia, valuable specimens of the genus Malus to enhance the efficiency and accelerate the process of creating adaptive and high-quality grades of regional breeding. The work was carried out using generally accepted and modern programs and methods of variety study and selection of perennial fruit crops (apple trees). The long-term results of the study for 2010-2020 are summarized. in the conditions of the Kuban zone of the North Caucasian region of gardening of collection specimens of apple trees. Established that the increase in high-temperature stressors, the deficit in August of precipitation (28.2 mm) in recent years (2010-2020) has a negative impact on the growth, development and ripening of fruits, the laying of generative buds of the next year’s harvest. The weather conditions that have developed in the region, which are not sufficiently favorable for apple plants, make it possible to select drought-resistant, high-yielding, stably fruiting grades with commercially valuable fruits. Highlighted with high productivity potential diploids: 12/1-21-60, 12/2-20-22, 12/2-20-75 and triploids: 12/2-21-35, 12/2-20-56 (average yield 28.06-34.08 t/ha; total – up to 374.88 t/ha). Diploids were distinguished by large-fruited: Orpheus and 12/1-21-60 (average fruit weight 202.3-204.5 g, maximum – 224.8-278.8 g) and triploid varieties and elite forms (from the family of Idared × Balcgard 0247E): 12/2-21-35, 12/2-20-56, 12/1-21-27 (average fruit weight 201.4-317.9 g, maximum – 286.5-387.2 g).