Blackberry germplasm diversity and its importance to cultivar development
Abstract
155 words
The assessment of morphological and genetic diversity is an important component for cultivar development. It is a precursor to knowledge of the inheritance of key horticultural traits which is a basic requirement for cultivar development especially in minority crops like blackberry (Rubus L. sub-genus Rubus). Successful development of improved tree cultivar is dependent on variability among available genetic resources to act as a source of desirable genes. An increase in heterogeneity may increase the resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. In addition, allelic variations could also be used to develop new combinations of improved plant cultivars in horticulture. This paper reviews three aspects (i) the significance of plant genetic diversity (PGD) on horticultural tree crops; (ii) postgenomic methods used in assessing plant genetic diversity in blackberry. This review is intended to provide information on the genetic and morphological diversity of fruit trees and other agriculturally important crops, germplasm management and possibilities of improving the crops.
Subjects
2 categoriesRelated papers
More in Working Document Series →- Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement: A model Training and Research Hub for Next Generation of Plant Breeders for Africa
- Stimulating youth entrepreneurial mindset and orientation: experiences from the students’ enterprise scheme at Gulu University
- Refocusing the Direction of Agricultural Research and Education in Zimbabwe
- Stakeholder involvement in university curriculum development: A case study of horticulture programme in Public Universities in Kenya