ISHS Acta Horticulturae 574: VII International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
BREEDING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY: A COMBINED APPROACH TO CRANBERRY IMPROVEMENT |
| Authors: | J. Polashock, N. Vorsa |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium macrocarpon, DNA fingerprinting, RAPDs, SCARs |
| Abstract:
Traditional breeding and biotechnological approaches to crop improvement have both advantages and disadvantages. The ideal system combines the best attributes of both approaches. We have applied a host of molecular techniques to complement our existing breeding program. Since cranberry is a woody perennial with a lengthy breeding cycle, any technique providing information that will guide crosses or enable more efficient selection for the desired trait is very useful. We have developed and applied the SCARs technique to fingerprint over 500 accessions in our germplasm collection. Coefficients of similarity based on the SCARs data have allowed characterization of parental diversity for breeding of multigenic traits. Further characterization of the markers thus far developed may be used for the screening of progeny. This approach will complement mapping data derived from progeny of an interspecific cross (V. macrocarpon x V. oxycoccus). Despite molecular applications, breeding is still limited to the available sexually compatible gene pool. In cases where natural genetic variability is lacking or minimal to enhance the desired trait, the more direct approach of genetic engineering is applicable. We have taken this approach toward the manipulation of biochemical pathways in cranberry. | |
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