ABSTRACT
Advances in Apple Transformation Technology to Confer Resistance to Fungal Diseases in Apple Crops: A Chilean Perspective

Víctor Polanco1*, Mario Paredes2, Viviana Becerra2, and Eduardo Pérez3
 

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is one of the most consumed fruit in the world. Genetic transformation is a key process to sustain this demand by permitting the potential enhancement of existing cultivars as well as the development of new cultivars resistant to pests, diseases, and storage problems that occur in the major production areas. This review summarizes the advances of genetic engineering applied with particular attention in the generation of apples resistant to Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G.Winter, the main phytosanitary problem that affects apple crops in Chile.

Keywords: apple, fungal disease, transgenic, cisgenesis.
1Universidad Mayor, Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Molecular (DIAMOLAB), Casilla 234, Correo 35, Santiago, Chile. *Corresponding author (victor.polanco@umayor.cl).
2Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias INIA, Casilla 426, Chillán, Chile.
3Centro Regional de Estudios en Alimentos Saludables, General Cruz 34, Valparaíso, Chile.