CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES

All tree fruit cultivars have defects which reduce fruit quality, marketable yields and/or their ornamental value. Susceptibility to bacterial diseases, small size, lack of fruit firmness, inability for the fruit to store, poor fruit color, and lack of flower bud hardiness are common drawbacks of currently available varieties. This project will lead to the identification of new sources of genetic diversity to develop peach, apricot, and apple cultivars which will be better adapted to northeastern growing conditions.