Importance of indigenous genotypic diversity for sustainable regional development

Biodiversity plays a critical role in the sustainable development and is essential for the human well-being, livelihoods and cultural heritage of people. Azerbaijan region is very rich in genetic diversity of temperate fruits. Although fruit trees have always been important agricultural species, it is only in recent years that there is an increasing awareness of the potential of native fruit species. They play a very significant role for the wellbeing of the people through enhancing household income and environmental protection. At the same time, their genetic diversity and even the species diversity is threatened due to various human interventions and concerted efforts are required to take corrective measures. On the other hand international genotype diversity, in collaboration with national partners, implemented in recent past several programmes for effective conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources of temperate fruits in the region and is continuing to do so. This paper is the results of project on peach fruit genetic diversity as well as their sustainable use in fruit growing in northwest of Iran. The study included exploration and collecting, and notable fruit and tree Characterization of some desirable peach genotypes and conservation of promising peach genotypes and capacity information dissemination, collaboration and networking, impacts and sustainability of efforts. Results from research showed harvest time in genotypes varied from early to extremely Late in genotypes (mid June to end of October). Also genotypes showed a range of 120±1gr to 275±1 gr for fruit weight, 22 to 114kg yield per tree. Among this genotypes 6 Clingstone and 9 freestone genotypes with range of white and white-greenish to yellow flesh color. Genotypes were grouped into four clusters according to some quality traits. The paper also touches on the current efforts and future thrusts for peach genetic resources conservation, management and sustainable use.

کلیدواژه ها:

Temperate fruits ، Genetic resources ، Characterization ، Conservation ، Sustainable use ، Species diversity