Fruit Research Institute Apple Breeding Programme: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of the past, present and future work within the apple breeding programme at Fruit Research Institute, Cacak since its initiation in 1947. Two apple cultivars have been named and released so far - 'Cacanska Pozna' and 'Cadel', whereas a large number of selections are currently being studied intensively. The major biological and agronomic properties of following four promising selections are presented: selection J/3/60 ('Jonathan' x 'Idared'), selection J/2/11 ('Idared' x 'Cadel'), selection J/15/96 ('Prima' x TNR10T23) and selection J/1/15 ('Jonathan' x selection J/54/53/59). In recent period, molecular biology methods in apple breeding have been introduced for a number of reasons, e. g., to ensure adequate selection of parental combinations and enable early detection of seedlings with undesirable traits, and to combine resistance to a specific pathogen from different sources. Such approach will certainly reduce time and space required for breeding new cultivars. The FRI programme will continue to develop cultivars with national as well as international appeal, which will benefit to the fruit industry and consumers.