Volume 55 Number 2 Article 16
Year 2001 Month 4
Title: The Utilization of Related Prunus Species for Almond Variety Improvement
Authors: T.M. Gradziel, P. Martinez-Gomez, F. Dicenta, and D.E. Kester
Abstract:
Germplasm from a range of Prunus species in the subgenus Amygdalus, sections Euamygdalus, Spartoides,
and Lyciodes has been evaluated for potential value to almond (P. dulcis) breeding through an international, U.S.-Spain cooperative project.
Species evaluated include Prunus argentia, P. bucharica,
P. fenzliana, P. mira, P. persica, P. scoparia and P. webbii. The absence of severe crossing barriers in
the initial hybridization and in subsequent backcrosses demonstrates a direct accessibility of this rich
germplasm to almond breeding.
The performance of interspecific hybrids, as well as their subsequent
backcrosses to cultivated almond, further demonstrate valuable opportunities for transferring useful
traits including self-compatibility, resistance to important pests and diseases, the improvement of seed
oil quality, tree growth architecture and bearing habit, and tolerance to aberrant environments.
The international collaboration has allowed a more thorough evaluation of related germplasm and avoids quarantine restrictions on the U.S. importation of new Prunus accessions.
Full text download: APS subscribers
ISHS members & pay-per-view
(PDF 1341385 bytes)
Translate:
APS membership administration
ISHS membership administration
