Malus Species: Germplasm Conservation and Utilization
摘要
Malus species is important not only from the point of economics but also from a cultural and nutritional point of view. Most of the Malus species are adapted to the temperate climatic condition, and there is a growing concern about genetic erosion due to changing climate conditions and increased efforts for the conservation of Malus genetic resources. Conservation using complementary conservation strategy needs to be strengthened along with their increased use through improved access to users for crop improvement programs. This book chapter summarizes the origin and distribution, the taxonomic position of apple species, gene bank collections, conservation methods both in situ and ex situ, targeted traits and their source, and utilization of the germplasm in breeding programs and major cultivars developed.