The National Action Plan (NAP) supports the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources (PGREL) in Switzerland. Thanks to NAP projects, the genepool was characterized on Swiss apple gene resources. With the help of this project, these valuable genetic resources should enter the market and be used for organic breeding and production. One way is through direct cultivation of suitable old apple varieties, another way is breeding with old genetic material and modern varieties to improve certain properties like storability. FiBL collaborates with Poma Culta (bio-dynamic apple breeding) and Agroscope. In the organic sector, the product range should be enriched and further developed with the genetics of old varieties until robust varieties are found that show a lasting resilience to diseases. They should be of high sensory quality, have a multitude of flavours and a good storability as well as good agronomic properties. FiBL developed a tool for the introduction of new varieties (the taste concept; sweet, aromatic, sour) which is not depending on variety names. This tool should be used in this project.
Projektleitung, Projektpartner
