Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 1-7 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 5 characteristics. These studies provide important information and reference for apple scientific research and industrial development, and help to choose more adaptable and better quality apple varieties to enhance the competitiveness and sustainable development of the industry. The goals and motivations behind the National Apple Collection highlight the importance attached to the conservation of apple genetic resources. Through the centralized management, conservation and research of apple germplasm resources, the project provides a useful framework and strategy for the conservation and utilization of apple diversity, providing a solid foundation for scientific research and industrial development. 4.3 Effectiveness evaluation and challenge The National Apple Collection Program has achieved some results in the conservation of apple genetic resources, but it also faces some evaluation and challenges. In terms of effectiveness evaluation, the program has successfully collected and preserved a large number of apple germplasm resources from all over the United States, ensuring the long-term preservation and utilization of these resources. This includes traditional, wild and modern cultivars, providing a rich resource base for conservation of genetic diversity and future breeding (Volk et al., 2023). At the same time, the research and evaluation of apple variety characteristics also provide important information and support for scientific research and industrial development. However, the national apple collection program also faces some challenges. One of these is the challenge of resource management and maintenance. Long-term conservation and management of large amounts of apple genetic resources requires ongoing financial, human and technical support, and maintaining the quality and integrity of these resources requires constant updating and maintenance, which poses challenges for sustainable operation of the repository. Another challenge is the question of adaptability and applicability. Although a large number of apple variety resources have been collected, how to effectively use these resources in breeding and actual industries to meet market needs and challenges is still a problem that needs to be solved. In-depth study of the characteristics of different varieties and effective docking with the industry are the key to promote the application of these resources. 5 Improvement Measures of Protection Policy 5.1 Diversity maintenance and introduction of new germplasm Conservation of diversity and introduction of new germplasm are important for the conservation and development of apple genetic resources. Diversity conservation involves the protection and preservation of existing apple varieties, as well as the continuous maintenance of genetic diversity. This means protecting traditional and wild varieties from the pressures of commercial cultivation and ensuring that the diversity of apple germplasm is not lost. At the same time, it also includes maintaining and enhancing the diversity of existing varieties through innovative and scientific methods to enhance their disease resistance and adaptability, ensuring their growth and yield in different environments (Papp et al., 2020). The introduction of new germplasm is to enrich the apple genetic resources. This may involve the exploration and collection of wild apples in search of new varieties with unique disease resistance, good taste or adaptability. The introduction of new germplasm also includes scientific breeding and genetic improvement research work, through mating or genetic improvement, new genotypes are introduced into existing varieties to improve their characteristics and quality. 5.2 A genomics-based approach to conservation The genomics-based conservation approach brings new possibilities and prospects for the conservation and management of apple genetic resources. This approach utilizes advanced genomics techniques and molecular biology tools to contribute to a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the genetic relationships and diversity among apple varieties (Buiteveld et al., 2021).
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