CONSERVATION OF APPLE GERMPLASM AND FORMATION OF CORE, SPECIAL AND TRAIT-SPECIFIC COLLECTIONS

Article language

українська

Print date

24.04.2026

Date posted online

29.05.2026

Institution

Experimental station of pomology them. L.P. Simirenko IS NAAS

Bibliography

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Section

Abstract

Aim. The goal of the research is to analyze the structure and composition of the developed apple collections (core, special, and trait-specific) at the L.P. Symyrenko Pomology Research Station of the Institute of Horticulture of the NAAS as a basis for optimizing germplasm conservation, increasing the efficiency of its evaluation, and ensuring targeted utilization in modern breeding.

 Results and discussion.  Based on the long-term evaluation and inventory of the apple germplasm at the L.P. Symyrenko Pomology Research Station of the IH NAAS, a base collection was formed and officially registered with the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine (NCPGRU). As of January 1, 2026, it comprises 1,272 accessions from more than 30 countries, with Ukrainian varieties accounting for 21.3% of the total evaluated germplasm. Taxonomically, the majority of the accessions belong to the species Malus domestica Borkh., alongside representatives of 30 wild species, subspecies, ornamental forms, and hybrids of the genus Malus Mill. To optimize genetic diversity, a core apple collection was developed. It is structured based on 12 descriptor traits and 46 expression states, comprising 533 accessions from 27 countries. Reference accessions with stable trait expressions were identified for the conditions of the Ukrainian Forest-Steppe. Furthermore, 29 apple accessions (predominantly of local breeding, including Mliivchanka osinnia, Renet Symyrenka, Myr, Mavka, Horodyshchenske, Plamenne, Saphir, Darynka) were registered with the NCPGRU for valuable traits such as precocity, yield capacity (23.0–42.0 t/ha), and excellent fruit flavor (8.5–9.0 points).

A special collection of ornamental apples was developed for long-term evaluation and reference selection under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. It includes 80 accessions from five countries evaluated by 18 traits and 89 descriptor states, with 10 accessions officially registered for ornamental value. Concurrently, a disease-resistant trait-specific collection was established, comprising 59 accessions from 14 countries evaluated by 22 traits and 91 descriptor states. High-potential donors of scab immunity and high powdery mildew resistance (Liberty, Skifske zoloto, Edera, Amulet, Garant) were identified, with Greensleeves designated as a complex reference variety for maximum resistance to both phytopathogens.

 Conclusions. Based on the research results, the structure and composition of the three developed apple collections at the L.P. Symyrenko Pomology Research Station of the IH NAAS were analyzed using the base germplasm of 1,272 accessions. It was established that the core collection (for breeding programs) is formed based on 12 descriptor traits and 46 expression states, comprising 533 accessions from 27 countries. The special collection for ornamental traits is structured by 18 traits and 89 states, containing 80 accessions from five countries. The trait-specific collection for disease resistance is formed based on 22 traits and 91 expression states, including 59 accessions from 14 countries. Based on long-term laboratory and field evaluations within these collections, reference accessions were identified, enabling the official registration with the NCPGRU of 29 accessions of Mliiv breeding with valuable agronomic traits and 10 accessions with outstanding ornamental parameters. Promising donors of complex resistance to scab and powdery mildew (Liberty, Skifske zoloto, Edera, Amulet, Garant, Greensleeves) were determined as valuable source material for modern breeding programs.

Keywords

apple tree, genetic resources, ex situ, collection, reference samples, disease resistance, ornamental value