Articles
THE EU-FUNDED PROJECT ‘EVALUATION AND UTILIZATION OF PINEAPPLE GENETIC RESOURCES FROM THE AMAZON TO BREED RESISTANT VARIETIES’
In addition, the establishment of a standard database will promote information and germplasm exchange between the partners, and, later, between all the existing pineapple germplasm collections.
The project, which started in 1997, has produced a first germplasm inventory, allowing exchanges and repatriation of lost germplasm.
The list of descriptors has been revised.
Multivariate analysis of the first morphological description produced consistent results.
Molecular markers are being developed for characterisation and genetic mapping.
New sources of resistance to fusariosis have been identified.
Characterisation studies will provide key information to assess the genetic diversity of pineapple and understand its structure.
The project will favour new uses of neglected or traditional varieties, so widening the genetic base of pineapple cultivation.
The development of new breeding schemes associated with genetic mapping should greatly improve breeding efficiency, allowing transferring resistances and thence promoting integrated and more environmentally friendly control of pests and diseases.