Unlocking Plum Genetic Potential: Where Are We At?

Abstract

Plums are a large group of closely related stone fruit species and hybrids of worldwide economic importance and diffusion. This review deals with the main aspects concerning plum agrobiodiversity and its relationship with current and potential contributions offered by breeding in enhancing plum varieties. The most recent breeding achievements are revised according to updated information proceeding from relevant scientific reports and official inventories of plum genetic resources. A special emphasis has been given to the potential sources of genetic traits of interest for breeding programs as well as to the need for efficient and coordinated efforts aimed at efficaciously preserving the rich and underexploited extant plum agrobiodiversity. The specific objective of this review was to: (i) analyze and possibly evaluate the degree of biodiversity existing in the cultivated plum germplasm, (ii) examine the set of traits of prominent agronomic and pomological interest currently targeted by the breeders, and (iii) determine how and to what extent this germplasm was appropriately exploited in breeding programs or could represent concrete prospects for the future.

A New Bloody Pulp Selection of Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera L.): Pomological Traits, Chemical Composition, and Nutraceutical Properties

“…Among fresh fruit species, plums (genus Prunus) play a non-determinant role in terms of production and cultivated surfaces, yet it is traditionally found in many areas characterized by temperate climates. It is usually considered a minor stone fruit together with apricot mostly because it is compared to peach and nectarines, which accounts for wider diffusion and growing areas [1]. The species has a complex botanical classification because several species are traced back to the name plum, and its hybridizations, natural and/or induced, are widespread [2].…”

“…Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera L.) is a diploid, widespread species in the Mediterranean. This species is credited with the origin of European plums via hybridization with the tetraploid P. Spinosa, and for this reason, myrobalan is considered genetically close to P. domestica, although with different ploidy [1]. It is widely used as rootstock for both plum and apricot trees, more rarely for peach [3,4] thanks mainly to its ability to produce adventitious roots that facilitate its propagation [5,6].…”

Comparative Analysis of Carotenoid Profiles and Biosynthetic Gene Expressions among Ten Plum Cultivars

“…), belonging to the subfamily Prunoideae and family Rosaceae, are a large and diverse group of stone fruit species widely consumed in both fresh and processed forms worldwide. This is particularly true in Europe, Asia, and the Americas [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Among the various types, the European plum ( P. domestica L., 2n = 6x = 48) and the Chinese plum (also known as Japanese plum, P. salicina Lindl., 2n = 2x = 16) hold significant commercial importance, with numerous varieties within each category [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Micropropagation of Plum (Prunus domestica L.) in Bioreactors Using Photomixotrophic and Photoautotrophic Conditions

“…European plum (P. domestica L.) and Japanese plum (P. salicina Lindl) are currently the most globally cultivated plum species. China is the leading producing country, followed by Romania, Serbia, Chile, Iran, the USA, Turkey, Italy, France, Ukraine and Spain [1]. As many other cultivated Prunus spp.…”

“…There is an urgent need to preserve as much of the current fruit tree diversity as possible to prevent the irretrievable loss of this heritage [13,15]. There are breeding programs in some countries that could use this old genetic material [1,16].…”