FORT COLLINS, COWild Malus orientalisspecies of wild apples that could be an ancestor of today's domesticated applesare native to the Middle East and Central Asia. A new study comparing the diversity of recently acquired M. orientalis varieties from Georgia and Armenia with previously collected varieties originating in Russia and Turkey narrows the large population and establishes a core collection that will make M. orientalis more accessible to the breeding and research communities.
To identify and record the genetic diversity of these wild apples, Gayle Volk and Christopher Richards at the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), performed genetic diversity analyses on trees grown from Malus orientalis seeds collected in Georgia, Armenia, Russia, and Turkey. The trees are located at the USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) in Geneva, New York. Seedling trees were evaluated for resistance to critical diseases such as fire blight, apple scab, and cedar apple rust. The full report was published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.
Seeds from wild Malus orientalis trees were collected from 1998� during explorations to Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and Russia. Seedling orchards with between eight and 171 "individuals" from each collection location were established, and disease resistance data were collected for 776 trees. The genetic diversity of the 280 individuals from Armenia and Georgia was compared with results obtained for individuals from Russia and Turkey. A total of 106 alleles were identified in the trees from Georgia and Armenia. The average gene diversity ranged from 0.47 to 0.85 per locus. The researchers concluded that "the genetic differentiation among sampling locations was greater than that found between the two countries."
Six individuals from Armenia exhibited resistance to
'/>"/>
| Contact: Michael W. Neff mwneff@ashs.org 703-836-4606 American Society for Horticultural Science Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. A study by the MUHC and McGill University opens a new door to understanding cancer
2. Understanding hypertension in African Americans proves elusive
3. Systems Biology poised to revolutionize the understanding of cell function and disease
4. Gregory Hannon wins 2007 Paul Marks Prize for contributions to understanding and treating cancer
5. Understanding, combating foodborne pathogens E. coli 0157 and salmonella
6. Researchers discover important tool in understanding differentiation in human embryonic stem cells
7. Atmospheric measuring device for understanding smog formation
8. Researchers move 2 steps closer to understanding genetic underpinnings of autism
9. Scientists expand understanding of how river carbon impacts the Arctic Ocean
10. From delicious to death: Understanding taste
11. USP Convention and Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission sign Memorandum of Understanding
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |