INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATIONS AND SUBSEQUENT GENE INTROGRESSION WITHIN PRUNUS SUBGENUS AMYGDALUS

A major limitation to the genetic improvement of Prunus tree crops is the limited genetic variability typically available to the breeder. The ability to utilize germplasm from related species has greatly expanded genetic options available for crop improvement. Traits utilized in the breeding program following interspecific hybridization and subsequent introgression through backcrossing or selfing included hybrid vigor from interspecific crosses, self-compatibility (from the self-compatible wild species P. persica, P. mira, and P. webbii to the normally self-incompatible almond), and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa) resistance from P. dulcis to peach (P. persica). Novel variants recovered following interspecific gene introgression include high oleic acid levels in almond progeny following introgression of germplasm from peach, and the modification of peach mesocarp development following introgression of genes from almond.

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