Apple breeding history, goals, methods and results

The tendency and the prospects of apple production in the world, new competitive apple varieties, breeding history and goals in connection with the intensification of horticulture in Russia are considered. The advantages and the opportunities of various methods of breeding are discussed. The characteristics of the present apple assortment in conditions of the Middle regions of Russia were presented. The disadvantages and the ways of improvement on account of new adaptive varieties suitable for the intensive orchards and adequate the market requirements are shown. The results of apple breeding in the All-Russian Science Research Institute of Horticultural Breeding are given.