2017 ASHS Annual Conference
New Frontier in Subtropical and Tropical Fruit Crop Improvement: Germplasm Collection, Evaluation, Utilization and Impacts of Genetic Engineering
New Frontier in Subtropical and Tropical Fruit Crop Improvement: Germplasm Collection, Evaluation, Utilization and Impacts of Genetic Engineering
Objective(s):
Objectives of this workshop are to: 1) Introduce participants to new and lesser-known fruits such as papeda and dragon fruit; 2) Provide networking opportunities for researchers, educators and students in different disciplines, including pomology, tropical horticulture, plant hunting and germplasm collection, genetic engineering, horticulture science and possibly sociology; and 3) Identify the needs and assess the hurdles for future opportunities of tropical pomology.
Objectives of this workshop are to: 1) Introduce participants to new and lesser-known fruits such as papeda and dragon fruit; 2) Provide networking opportunities for researchers, educators and students in different disciplines, including pomology, tropical horticulture, plant hunting and germplasm collection, genetic engineering, horticulture science and possibly sociology; and 3) Identify the needs and assess the hurdles for future opportunities of tropical pomology.
Fruits currently available on the market are the culmination of continuous efforts to collect, select, and improve germplasm since the beginning of human history. In addition to traditional breeding and selection of spontaneous mutants, scientists are now using molecular techniques to artificially induce mutation and further improve existing germplasm to combat serious obstacles such as virus infection. Despite significant improvement in size, color, taste, and disease and insect resistance of commonly available fruits, consumers have largely developed a thirst for something different and unusual. In response to their demand, researchers continue to look for fruits that are currently neglected or underutilized. This workshop will look at challenges and opportunities that tropical pomology is currently facing, using three tropical fruit crops as a model.
Thursday, September 21, 2017: 4:15 PM
King's 2 (Hilton Waikoloa Village)