Apple Breeding and Fruit Genetic Resources
Agroscope apple breeders develop varieties to meet the current and future requirements of a resilient fruit-production sector and modern consumers. Cutting-edge methods for efficient, target-oriented classic selection are used. In-house and external cooperation with the Chair of Plant Breeding at the ETH Zurich and broad-based international networking enable modern and efficient breeding research. We develop varieties for the international market, as well as for specific needs, such as the organic fruit-production sector. To broaden the genetic basis and make use of valuable traits, the increasingly characterised Swiss and international apple genetic resources are also used. Suitable new varieties offering the desired tree and fruit traits are tested with a view to their use as standard fruit trees.