BREEDING PROGRAMS AT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR FRUIT GROWING PITESTI, ROMANIA FOR ENHANCE FRUIT PRODUCTION

Abstract

The creation and introduction in the fruit growing sector of new cultivars with high biological and nutritional value, adapted to the various pedo-climatic conditions from Romania are the main means of improvement of the fruits quality and the diversification of their destination, as well as of increasing the economic efficiency in fruit growing. Over time, the assortment structure has improved not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively by introducing the cultivars tolerant or resistant to diseases and pests, with large and constant yield, with fruits quality that respond to the requirements of cultivators, consumers and processor of the food industry. The results of the breeding programs carried out in Romania have materialized by registering 480 cultivars of fruit trees and berries. Of these, 70 cultivars of apple, pear, plum, sweet and sour cherry were created at RIFG Pitesti, Romania. The value of these assortments has been demonstrated by propagation in the fruit nursery and extension in the commercial orchards. Thus, out of the total propagated trees, about 50% are Romanian cultivars. Since 2014, the National Plan for Rural Development issued a special measure for investments in fruit growing sector. Through this measure, new orchards were established, the share of Romanian cultivars being very high due to their adaptability to the pedo-climatic conditions from our country.