ISHS Acta Horticulturae 470: II International Symposium on Pistachios and Almonds
BREEDING FOR SELF-FERTILITY IN CALIFORNIA ALMOND CULTIVARS |
| Authors: | Thomas M. Gradziel, Dale E. Kester |
| Keywords: | interspecific, introgression, autogamy, self-compatibility, self-fruitfullness, Prunus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus |
| Abstract:
Self-compatibility was readily transferred to almond from its wild relatives. While agronomic quality suffered in hybrids and first generation backcrosses, quality approached commercial levels by the second backcross. In addition to self compatibility, other novel tree and nut traits were transferred including self-pollinating flower type, novel bearing habits, disease and insect resistance, and improved kernel fatty-acid composition. The level of self-compatibility and, where present, self-pollination varied considerably in different genetic and environmental backgrounds. Successful development of a commercially acceptable self-fertile cultivar will require an improved understanding of the genetic and environmental determinants of field selfing and outcrossing, as well as progress in overcoming the small size, hard-shell characteristic, and poor kernel quality associated with many of the genetic sources of self-fertility. | |
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