Plant Genetic Resources and Scientific Activities of the Uzbek Research Institute of Plant Industry

Self Cite

Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb. is grown as an economically valuable crop in a number of countries worldwide, but large-scale cultivation has been primarily restricted to semiarid and arid regions with mild, temperate climates. Considering the species’ wide native range and inherent genetic, morphologic, and phenologic diversity, almond remains quite underused in areas outside those currently in cultivation. The area comprising the former USSR represents an extremely large and diverse region and is a center of genetic diversity for P. dulcis and related species. Much of this region, which is the center of origin and/or diversity of many important crops, has been inaccessible to the Western world for centuries, and much of the scientific literature produced there has not been widely disseminated in the English language. Since the breakup of the USSR, this region has become increasingly open and opportunities for reciprocal germplasm collection, exchange, and scientific collaborations are growing. To bring increased attention to the valuable P. dulcis genetic resources endemic to this region, and to promote better use, management, and preservation of these important resources, the wild distribution of almond and closely related species, and extensive germplasm holdings of institutions across the former USSR, are herein described. Recent and ongoing collection and breeding activities in the U.S. Intermountain West are also discussed.

Section: Breeding Work and Germplasm Collectionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Resources of Almond Species in the Former USSR

Zaurov

Eisenman

Ford³

et al. 2015

Self Cite

“…Uzbek and Turkmen melon varieties come in a wide range of sizes (0.5 to 17.0 kg) with sugar levels that range up to 25% under ideal conditions and shelf lives from very short (for local markets) to 7 months ( Fig. 3) (Anon., 2008;Mavlyanova et al, 2005aMavlyanova et al, , 2005bMcCreight et al, 2010).…”

Section: Melonmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gone Global: Familiar and Exotic Cucurbits Have Asian Origins

McCreight

Staub²,

Wehner³

et al. 2013

Cucurbits comprise the highly diverse family known as Cucurbitaceae that includes cultivated, feral, and wild species (Robinson and Decker-Walters, 1997). Many of the cultivated species such as squash (Cucurbita ssp.), watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai], cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and melon (Cucumis melo L.) are familiar to U.S. and world markets. Others such as bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) are less familiar in the United States. Cucurbits are cultivated more broadly than any other vegetable species after tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (). Cucurbits exhibit great genetic diversity expressed phenotypically in vegetative, e.g., plant architecture and growth habit, floral, e.g., sex expression, and fruit characters that include size, shape, skin texture, exterior and interior colors, sweetness and flavor, and postharvest shelf life. They are especially known for their fruit, which may be consumed fresh, cooked or baked, dried, or processed (Robinson and Decker-Walters, 1997). Immature or mature fruit are, depending on the species, consumed as fresh or cooked vegetables. Melon and watermelon are especially well known

“…In general, apricot trees start producing fruit at 3 to 4 years when grafted and 4 to 5 years when grown from seed. Depending on the cultivar, the average yield is generally 10 to 15 t • ha -1 (Mavlyanova et al, 2005;Mirzaev et al, 2004). The average productivity of a cultivated apricot is 80 to 100 kg per tree, but exceptional trees can yield 500 to 600 kg with some reports of up 1100 kg per tree (Pulatov, 1976).…”

Section: Morphology and Biology Of P Armeniaca In Central Asiamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan still appear to be free of the virus (S. Kozubaev (Mirzaev et al, 2004). Since 1928, the Uzbek Scientific Research Institute of Plant Industry has maintained a living collection of 650 apricot cultivars originating from different geographical regions (Mavlyanova et al, 2005;Smirnova, 1980). The internationally recognized breeder K.F.…”

Section: Plum Pox Virusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Resources of Apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) in Central Asia

Zaurov¹,

Molnar²,

Eisenman³

et al. 2013

Self Cite

Central Asia is a center of diversity for many important fruit and nut tree species, including wild and cultivated apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.). A wealth of apricot germplasm that expresses novel and valuable characteristics such as fruits with high soluble solids, edible kernels, glabrous skin, and diverse colors and flavors, as well as later-blooming flowers, late-maturing fruit, and drought, cold, and salt tolerance, can be found growing across this region. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Central Asia has become more accessible for reciprocal germplasm exchange and scientific collaborations. Thus, opportunities now exist to obtain, study, and use a much wider diversity of Central Asian apricot germplasm in breeding efforts, which can lead to improved crop traits and ultimately an expansion of the regions where this high-value crop can be grown. To bring attention to the valuable P. armeniaca genetic resources found in Central Asia and to promote its better use, management, and preservation, a description and history of the species from a Central Asian perspective, along with recent and ongoing activities, are discussed in this article.