Characterization of Apple (Malus pumila Mill) Germplasm

Abstract

Apple is a predominant temperate fruit crop of India and
it accounts for about 10 per cent of the total fruit
production of the country (Gautam et at., 2003). Even
though c10nally propagated, sufficient variability has been
generated over the years. Identification of genotypes
which carry horticulturally desirable traits and transfer
of these genes from old or less widely grown cultivars is
essential to synthesize new genotypes for cultivation (Way
et at., 1990). An attempt was made to characterize 88
accessions augmented from exotic and indigenous
sources, with easy and quick identification of phenotypes
and correlate with practical utilization.