The definition of the European Almond Core collection

The European project 068 AGRI GEN RES 870/2004 has as an aim the definition of the European almond core collection. The methodology for creation of any core collection has to define how best to select entries using complex and incomplete accession data, as well as how and when to revise these decisions over time. The acquisition of data has been based on specific varietal descriptors, including morphological, physiological, phytopathological, genetic and chemical traits, following the descriptors defined by IBPGR/Bioversity, UPOV and the ECP/GR Prunus Working Group. Newly defined traits, not included in these descriptors, have also been considered because they are very important in defining the range of variability of the species. These traits include chilling and heat requirements for blooming, the molecular markers for genotype identification and the different chemical components of the kernel, as possible parameters for defining almond quality. As a result, a strategy to define the almond core collection was identified by highlighting the main steps to achieve in the near future.Peer ReviewedPrunus amygdalus Batschcore collectiongenetic resourcesgermplasmPublishe

Proyecto europeo para la valorización de recursos genéticos autóctonos de almendro y avellano. Trabajos realizados en España

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Self-incompatibility and pollination relationships for four Greek olive cultivars

The present three-year study aimed to (1) determine the number of flowers per inflorescence, (2) determine the proportion of hermaphrodite flowers and (3) investigate the genetic and environmental components of self-incompatibility through controlled pollination trials, followed by microscopic observation of in vivo pollen tube growth for olive cultivars 'Koroneiki','Kalamata','Mastoidis' and 'Amygdalolia'. Significant differences between cultivars and years were observed for number of flowers/inflorescence and hermaphrodite flowers percentage. The highest number of flowers was observed for 'Kalamata' panicles followed by 'Koroneiki', whereas the lower numbers were for 'Mastoidis' and 'Amygdalolia'. The highest percentage of hermaphrodite flowers was observed for 'Koroneiki', followed by 'Kalamata' while lower levels were counted for 'Mastoidis' and 'Amygdalolia'. 'Koroneiki' showed a noteworthy capability (3.6-8.7% of hermaphrodite flowers) to set fruit through self pollination. Lower fruit set rates were counted for 'Mastoidis' (1.7-2.6%) and 'Amygdalolia' (0.5-2.4%). The lowest level of fruit set was observed for 'Kalamata' (0.4-2%). In the case of cross pollination, the highest fruit set rates were observed for 'Koroneiki', intermediate rates were counted for 'Mastoidis', followed by 'Amygdalolia', and the lowest levels of fruit set were counted for 'Kalamata'. In the framework of the sporophytic SI system, we attributed R2R4 to 'Mastoidis' and 'Kalamata', R1R2 to 'Amygdalolia' and R4R6 to 'Koroneiki'. Based on the results of these experiments, recommendations were released on cross pollination requirements and combinations with compatible cultivars for setting up new olive orchards to ensure high fruit sets and adequate yields

Almond and hazelnut core collections as a tool for improving genetic resorces utilization: the european Safenut project (abstract)

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