Thirteen Years Collection and Evaluation of Local Apple Germplasm in Iran

Iran is one of the most important apple producers in the world. Large genetic diversity has been resulted from the seed orchards all of which distributed in different parts of Iran. Iranian apple genotypes show a high tolerance to abiotic stresses such as cold temperature, drought and wind. Therefore, they can be employed as the main plant material in breeding programs. Collection and evaluation of apple germplasm was accomplished during 2002-2015 in Iran. Over 350 apple genotypes were collected and planted at the Horticulture Research Station in Karaj and Urmia Research Station. Morphological, phenological, pomological and properties assessment was performed based on UPOV and IPBGR descriptors. Sensory quality traits and storage potential were assessed as well. In this step, collected local apple germplasm were studied for more than 50 horticultural traits. A high genetic variability was indicated among native apple cultivars. According to ripening time the cultivars grouped into early ripening, mid-summer and late ripening. A strong biennial bearing was determined for 82 genotypes while the rest had low alternative bearing. The genotypes differed considerably in tree vigor and classified into three groups, 16 had weak vigor, 98 strong and the rest was intermediate. Hundred forty five genotypes showed to be as spring frost resistant. Genotypes were grouped into 5 for flesh firmness, 6 in flavor, 5 in fruit size and 6 in fruit shape. A high level of resistance has been identified in some of the accessions to the main apple diseases and pests such as crown rot, fire blight, black rot, codling moth and aphid. This local apple collection contains 11 red fleshed genotypes with a high level of antioxidant capacity. Till now, 15 genotypes are selected as the best native apple cultivars.