Fruit scientific research in New China in the past 70 years:Apricot

Abstract: Apricot(Prunus armeniaca L.)is a characteristic fruit tree native to China. China's apricot cultivation area and yield are the highest in the world. Apricot research in China has entered a period of both quantitative and qualitative development since 1949. Thirty institutes including Xinjiang Agricultural University,Beijing Academy of Forestry and Pomology Sciences,Liaoning Institute of Pomology,etc.,are the active and stable forces of apricot research in China. According to statistics,268 apricot-related patent applications have been filed,and 274 scientific and technological achievements registered.The world's largest apricot germplasm resources has been established in Liaoning,and apricot core germplasm has been constructed. SSR markers have been applied in establishing the cultivar fingerprints and the phylogenetic relationship,and the evolution in the genus Armeniaca has been systematically studied. The development of testing equipment & technology has promoted the research on the quality traits such as aroma,sugar and acid contents. The use of seedling selection,clonal selection and hybridization has played important roles in apricot breeding. Some researchers have long conducted research on distant hybridization and have succeeded. The establishment of embryo culture and in vitro regeneration system provides a powerful method for apricot breeding and germplasm innovation. Several apricot fruit quality related genes such as SaME and PaCCD1 have been identified. Apricot transcriptome research has provided conditions for the study of synthetic and metabolic genes and their expression patterns. Flowering biological characteristics such as flowering phenology,flower organ abortion,pollen vigor and stigma receptivity are important issues in the research of reproductive physiology of apricot. The research on the freezing-resistance of apricot flower organs has laid the foundation for the screening of anti-frost varieties. The study on the photosynthetic physiology of apricot trees has provided basis for the construction of high-efficiency tree shape and high-quality production. However,the research progress in water relations of apricot is relatively slow,and the research in soil and fertilization is still at a relatively preliminary level. Optimized formula of fertilization study has just started. Research on the biological characteristics,extended supply period and intensive processing of apricots has received continuous attention and has made rapid progress. Freezing point temperature storage is an effective method to maintainquality of apricot fruit in storage. How to maintain the flavor of the fruit during storage remains a difficult problem in the study of apricot storage and preservation. The comprehensive utilization of intensive processed products and by-products processing has received increasing attention. The development of apricot industry faces many difficulties and challenges,which restricts its development in the long run. Strengthening research and development is urgently needed in the aspects of innovation of apricot germplasm and application of outstanding fine varieties,and technological breakthroughs in integrative high-quality and efficient cultivation,safe production,post-harvest handling,packaging and high-quality commodity upgrading, and cold chain supply technology.