North American apple-tree species: sources of useful agronomic traits for breeding

Abstract

The results of studying the collection of North American apple-tree species are presented. Forms with a whole set of traits interesting for breeding are highlighted, including such features as late flowering schedule, disease resistance, long shelf life of fruits, etc. In addition, the small-fruited ornamental apple-tree (crab apple) accessions obtained from North American species are briefly described, and the most valuable of them are recommended for practical uses.

Keywords

• late flowering
• disease resistance
• long shelf life
• crab apples