Potential of apple varieties of the Ural-Siberian and Far Eastern group for use in breeding for winter hardiness

Abstract

The gene pool of apple varieties of the Ural-Siberian and Far Eastern group has a valuable genetic potential especially in breeding for winter hardiness. Today, apple breeding research focused on winter hardiness using that varieties is limited. Using in hybridization gene pools created in harsh conditions of Siberia and the Far East will allow promoting the spread of apple culture to the north, which is mainly limited by frost resistance. Assessment of frost damage level of tissues and kidneys of apple shoots by -40°C temperature decrease was the principal goal of the work. According the national food and nutrition security policy, share of fruit production in the northern regions must be increased. In that case, ongoing scientific research has the defining value for these purposes. Different apple tree genotypes responses to low temperatures is highly individual and depends both of the degree or strength of frost and of the sensitivity of the plant itself. This complex interrelationship determinates the winter hardiness level under negative environmental conditions. 30 varieties of apple tree of the Ural-Siberian and Far Eastern groups were selected for study of frost resistance. Genotypes have a sufficient “margin of safety” for resistance to cause by frost damages.