New methods to allow for more precise selection of tree and fruit characters in breeding
programmes were developed in recent years. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is common
practice in the ACW apple breeding programme at Wädenswil. Genetic markers can
reduce the number of plants and the time required for evaluation, thus new varieties
become commercially available sooner. How can this molecular selection method
reasonably be applied in an apple breeding programme? Application of phenotypic and
molecular selection techniques in the ACW apple breeding programme and results are
presented
