Orchard Crops and Grapes: Gene Pool and Its Use in Breeding

The study presents the results of a comprehensive phenotypic and genotypic assessment of the gene pool of orchard crops, grapes and breeding of new generation varieties. Taking into account changing weather and climatic conditions, intensification of technologies for cultivating orchard crops and grapes, the need to change the focus of breeding work is becoming more urgent, in terms of increasing the adaptability of varieties. The purpose of the research was to mobilize, preserve, study the gene pool, identify genes for valuable traits using DNA markers, and create varieties with high productive potential. In conjunction with this, the NCFSCHVW preserves a gene pool of 7,240 genotypes, 632 donors and sources of valuable traits. For the first time, promising DNA-markers Ps12a02a and CPPCT006, priority ones for genetic analysis, have been identified for the evaluation of sweet cherry varieties. The polymorphism of DNA-markers used for genotyping of grape varieties was established: UDV305 and UDV737, linked to the Rpv3 gene for resistance to downy mildew, GF15-42, SCGF15-02, linked to the Ren3 gene, and CenGen6, linked to the Ren9 gene for resistance to grape powdery mildew. DNA-marking made it possible to identify donor grape varieties Moldova bessemyannaya (resistance to downy mildew by the Rpv3 gene), Kishmish Zaporozhskiy (resistance to powdery mildew by the Ren3 and Ren9 genes); donor of apple tree immunity to scab according to the Rvi6 gene – elite 12/2-21-27. Analysis of the hybrid progeny of strawberries made it possible to identify the donor of large fruit – Nelly variety. 26 unique DNA passports of domestic grape, plum and apple varieties have been developed. Based on a comprehensive assessment of varieties of orchard crops and grapes, 45 sources were established for important characteristics: adaptability, productivity, tolerance to root phylloxera, seedlessness of grapes, productivity in the mother plantings, easy propagation by cuttings, etc. 16 elite forms were obtained with breeding-significant traits, allowing to optimize the assortment of garden crops and grapes. To create stable and productive agrocenoses and ampelocenoses in the conditions of the North Caucasus, 20 varieties with high ecological plasticity and manufacturability are recommended. Key words: GENE POOL, ORCHARD CROPS, GRAPES, VARIETY, ADAPTABILITY, PRODUCTIVITY, DNA MARKERS