Plants for Food and Bioenergy collection (not including Prunus bucharica accessions). Two-letter codes are used
for the country (or state) of origin: AB = Azerbaijan; CA = California, USA; GO = Georgia; KG = Kyrgyzstan;
KZ = Kazakhstan; PK = Pakistan; TJ = Tajikistan; TK = Turkmenistan; UT = Utah, USA; UZ = Uzbekistan.
Prosser, WA In the pursuit of enhancing almond genetic diversity for the ever-expanding global demand, researchers have delved into a private almond germplasm collection, shedding light on the potential for new cultivars adapted to diverse growing conditions. The study, conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), in collaboration with the former Improving Perennial Plants for Food and Bioenergy (IPPFBE) Foundation, explores the genetic diversity of 94 newly available almond accessions, primarily sourced from Central Asian nations.
Almonds [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] are perhaps the most economically important member of the genus Prunus L. The edible kernels of almonds have been consumed by humans since at least 11,000 BCE. .With the current worldwide production standing at 4.1 million tonnes and growing, it is crucial to explore new avenues for almond cultivar development, especially in regions beyond traditional growing areas. Challenges such as limited water resources and climate instability further underscore the need for innovative cultivars, including those adapted to saline conditions.
Plant genetic resources, in the form of germplasm collections, are a valuable component of breeding and cultivar development efforts because they can contain novel superior alleles for existing traits of interest, or to address changes in abiotic stressors and pathogens.
The study compared the genetic diversity of the private IPPFBE germplasm collection, which focuses on Central Asian origins, with the existing NPGS collection maintained near Davis, California. Through DNA fingerprinting using 10 simple sequence repeat markers, this research revealed insights into the diversity of these almond accessions. Hierarchical clustering, principal components analysis (PCA), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) were employed to analyze and compare the genetic makeup of the collections.
Results indicated that while there are broad similarities between the IPPFBE and NPGS collections, the new material from the private collection significantly contributes to the genetic diversity of almond germplasm. Notably, this work showed close relationships among certain accessions and identified potential mislabeling or duplications. Two Prunus bucharica accessions from the IPPFBE collection stood out, displaying distinctive genetic traits compared to the rest of the collection.
Almonds are an economically important and healthful crop with acreage that is expanding. This expansion encourages the development of new cultivars adapted to new growing areas, and novel germplasm may be the source of alleles needed for adaptation in these locations. The NPGS and IPPFBE germplasm collections both contain numerous accessions from the almond center of origin. Analysis of the IPPFBE collection indicates that although it and the NPGS collection are broadly similar, the new material contributes positively to the genetic diversity of almond germplasm.
Per McCord is Associate Professor, Horticulture, in the Department of Horticulture, Washington State University. He conducts research on characterizing and understanding the genetics of important and novel traits, and developing techniques to make the breeding process more efficient.
The full article can be found on the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05292-23
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community – scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org
