ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IN VITRO RIBES GERMPLASM COLLECTION AND PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS INTO LONG-TERM LOW TEMPERATURE GERMPLASM STORAGE

The black currant (Ribes nigrum) plant breeding and genetics programme at SCRI has incorporated germplasm from northern latitudes such as Scandinavia and the USSR to improve low temperature hardiness.
Studies of the in vitro culture of a range of Ribes cultivars, breeding lines and species have shown clear differences in genotypic multiplication rates and cultural behaviour which suggest a link between multiplication rate and genetic composition related to geographical origin.
The provision of a stable germplasm collection over a wide genetic base is a vital component of a breeding programme, especially if it involves clonally-propagated woody perennial crops.
For a Ribes breeding programme, the advantages of an in vitro germplasm collection are the considerable reduction in space and maintenance required compared to field plantations, the removal of seasonal influences and the lack of serious pest and disease problems, notably infestation by the gall mite Cecidophyopsis ribis and infection by reversion virus.

I International Symposium on In Vitro Culture and Horticultural Breeding

R.M. Brennan, S. Millam, D. Davidson, A. Wilshin

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1990.280.16