How Genomics Research Helps in Apple Breeding
It takes years to develop new apples varieties. Traditionally, the breeder waits years for a seedling to grow and start producing fruit before selections can be made. But with new DNA technology, genetic markers can be used to screen seedlings for quality traits such as tartness, crispness and juiciness as well as for disease resistance. Thousands of seedlings can be screened at a very early stage and selections possessing the desirable traits can be used for more advanced testing while eliminating those without the traits. This saves time, effort and the cost for maintaining undesirable plantings. To learn more about how recent advances in genomics can help with apple and other tree fruit breeding programs read this article: “The STEM in the Apple.”
