Apple wide hybrids

[Nicolas]

Introduction of a diverse genetic background of Pyrus into Malus through intergeneric hybridization

Wide hybridizations across species and genera have been employed to enhance agriculturally important traits in crops. Within the tribe Maleae of the Rosaceae family, different genera and species exhibit several traits useful for increasing diversity and gene pool through hybridization. This study aimed to develop and characterize intergeneric hybrid individuals between Malus and Pyrus. Through seed germination, shoot multiplication, and rooting in vitro, acclimatized seedlings showing vegetative growth on their own roots were obtained from crosses of Malus × domestica pollinated by Pyrus communis, P. bretschneideri, and the Pyrus interspecific hybrid (P. communis × P. pyrifolia). Comparative analysis of leaf morphology, flow cytometry, and molecular genotyping confirmed the hybrid status of the individuals. Genome-wide genotyping revealed that all the hybrid individuals inherited genomic fragments symmetrically from the Malus and Pyrus parents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the development of intergeneric hybrid seedlings between Malus × domestica and P. bretschneideri. Furthermore, the Pyrus interspecific hybrid individual served as a bridge plant for introducing the genetic background of P. pyrifolia into Malus × domestica. The results of this study provided a crucial foundation for breeding through intergeneric hybridization between Malus and Pyrus, facilitating the incorporation of valuable traits from diverse gene pools.

[A. Pel]

Interesting

Hopefully these hybrids are fertile - that would be cool. I'm guessing they probably will not be - sadly, a genetic dead end.

[Nicolas]

F1 hybrid of cultivated apple (Malus × domestica) and European pear (Pyrus communis) with fertile F2 offspring

Recently, an F1 hybrid between Malus × domestica and Pyrus communis became available which arose from a breeding approach undertaken in the late 1980s by the breeder Max Zwintzscher (Cologne-Vogelsang). Unlike previous reports, viable and fertile F2 plants were obtained from this F1 hybrid line by author HS, providing a unique perspective not only for genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic studies but also for advanced breeding strategies. Here, we give the first report on the confirmation and characterization of the F1 hybrid by phenotypic, genetic and biochemical means. The intergeneric hybrid shows an intermediary phenotype of leaves, flowers and fruits, and some disorder of secondary shoot growth. Nuclear DNA content is also intermediary and corresponds to a diploid state. Apple and pear type rDNA as well as SI alleles from each genus were found. At the metabolic level, parallel biosynthesis of the apple dihydrochalcone phloridzin and of arbutin, a p-hydroquinone-glucoside typical for pear, take place leading to considerable concentrations of both in leaves. The overall data allow secure confirmation of the hybrid character and give a first insight into the hybrids genetics and physiology.

[Chance]

They say the hybrid pear was used as a genetic bridge, but as a pollen donor right ?  That's a pretty interesting result, usually you hear of the hybrid being the seed parent.