Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 1-7 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 4 3.3 Challenges and problems At present, a series of challenges and problems facing Apple genetic resources will directly affect its long-term protection, utilization and sustainable development. One of the major challenges is the loss and reduction of genetic diversity. Commercial cultivation, which favors a small number of superior varieties, has led to the marginalization and loss of many traditional or wild apple varieties, exacerbating the decline in genetic diversity, which may lead to a decline in the overall genetic performance of apple germplasm, weakening disease resistance, adaptability, and other important characteristics (Wang et al., 2019). Ecological pressure is also an important issue. Factors such as climate change, disease, insect pests and human activities have caused no small threat to the growing environment of apple, leading to the risk of endangered or even extinct apple genetic resources in some areas. The ongoing impact of these factors can cause lasting damage to the health and diversity of the apple population. There are also numerous management and conservation challenges. The collection, conservation and management of genetic resources are inadequate, there is a lack of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and there is insufficient attention to long-term conservation and use. The trend of commercial cultivation may also lead to the neglect of diverse varieties, thus compromising the diversity and cultural inheritance of apple genetic resources. 4 Case Study 4.1 Apple genetic resource conservation program in the United States Many countries have set up conservation programs for Apple genetic resources, taking the United States as an example, the National Apple Collection is a typical apple genetic resource conservation program. This program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), aims to collect, preserve, and study apple germplasm from across the United States (Volk et al., 2023). The National Apple Collection is a research site located in Oregon, USA, that centrally preserves thousands of apple varieties and wild species from all over the country. These germplasm resources include traditional varieties, wild varieties and modern cultivated varieties, covering a rich genetic diversity. One of the goals of the program is to protect and preserve the diversity of apple genetic resources to ensure their long-term conservation. By collecting, labeling, describing and preserving these germplasm resources, the National Apple Collection provides a valuable resource for future breeding efforts. The program also focuses on research and evaluation of disease resistance, adaptability and quality characteristics of different varieties. These studies provide an important scientific basis for apple breeding and cultivation, and provide useful information and resources for farmers, horticultural enthusiasts and researchers. The National Apple Collection is a successful case that provides a feasible model and strategy for the protection and utilization of apple diversity through centralized management, conservation and research of apple genetic resources, and also provides useful experience and reference for the establishment of similar conservation programs in other parts of the world. 4.2 Background and objectives The National Apple Collection is a major apple genetic resource conservation program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which began in the 1940s against the backdrop of commercial cultivation that led to the gradual marginalization and loss of many traditional or wild apple varieties. Given this situation, it is particularly urgent and important to protect and maintain the diversity of apple genetic resources (Volk et al., 2023). The primary goal of this plan is to ensure the long-term preservation of apple's diversity. Through the collection, preservation and labeling of various apple varieties, the project centrally preserves the rich genetic diversity and provides an important resource for future apple breeding efforts. The project also focuses on the research and evaluation of the characteristics of apple varieties, including disease resistance, adaptability and quality
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