Use of apple tree gene pool to create adaptive cultivars with high quality fruits

Abstract

The apple tree gene pool was evaluated by resistance to adverse winter conditions based on the analysis of weather data for 50 years. 70% of winter-hardy and highly winter-hardy cultivars were revealed in the group of traditional local cultivars. Many local Central Russian cultivars are widely used in the breeding of new winter-hardy cultivars in central Russia, the Volga region, the Urals, Siberia, the Altai, the Far East and the south of the country. Positive results were obtained by using cultivars obtained from stepped crossbreeding, combining a complex of valuable qualities (winter resistance, immunity to scab, high qualities of fruits) in selection. On the basis of damaging factors' modeling, resistance to -38° C temperature and resistance to frost after thaw were confirmed in most VNIISPK breeding cultivars; winter-hardy cultivars with a resistance threshold -40°C: Vyatich, Orlovskiy partizan, Orlovskoye polesie, Zdorovye, Ministr Kiselev, Pamyat' Semakinu, Rozhdestvenskoye. Cultivars Idared, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp are recommended for use in breeding in combination with winter-resistant cultivars to create new high-quality apple tree cultivars with long keeping quality.