Determination of the genetic variability and selection of interesting genotypes of an economically important wild fruit species, the Cornelian cherry

On October, 6. 2019 the project “Determination of the genetic variability and selection of interesting genotypes of an economically important wild fruit species, the Cornelian cherry” was presented by Univ.Prof. Dr. Margit Laimer at the Dirndlkirtag 2019 in Hofstetten.

 
Future sustainable production of Cornelian cherries requires a gene pool adapted to the local environment, which could change under changing environmental and climatic conditions. For example, the pressure from the pathogens could increase with increasing temperatures.
The main objective of the project is to assess the available genetic diversity of the Cornelian cherries and to develop breeding strategies for health-specific issues.

The pre-requisite for the economic success of the regional enterprises is the continuous availability of raw material. As a result, new products can be developed that are increasingly required for tourism development in the region and surrounding areas.

Therefore, also long-term goals are pursued: a) to ensure and expand the future production of Cornelian cherries in the Pielach-, Traisen- und Gölsen Valley; (b) to strengthen the profitability of farms by expanding their product range and c) to make the best possible use of the health-related ingredients.