2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Development of genomic tools and knowledge of important trait loci in breeding program germplasm has enabled systematic use of DNA marker information to plan crosses and select parents in the University of Minnesota apple breeding program. Routine SNP array scans of new selections and prospective parents, along with genotype data on pedigree ancestors, permit deduction of genome-wide haplotypes and predicted breeding values at over a dozen loci controlling key fruit quality traits and apple scab resistance. Breeders annually examine predicted breeding values as well as phenotype and pedigree information in planning crosses to achieve breeding targets. Careful selection of parents based on DNA information potentially reduces the need for more expensive DNA marker-based seedling selection and also helps identify crosses in which such selection may be desired.