Comparative Evaluation of Pyrus Species to Identify Possible Resources of Interest in Pear Breeding.

Pear is one of the most important fruit species grown in the temperate zones of the globe. Besides fruit production, pear species are highly valued in forestry and agroforestry systems; in landscaping, as ornamental features; as fruits of ecological value, and in other areas. The Pyrus species, obtained from a gene bank, were evaluated for the different morphological traits of the trees, leaves, flowers, and fruits, as well as their responses to attacks from principal diseases and pests. Phenotypic data were examined using correlation and multivariate analyses, and a dendrogram of morphological traits was completed via molecular investigations at the DNA level using the RAPD markers. The findings revealed the complexities of the phenotypic and genetic connections among Pyrus species, as well as the difficulty in establishing phylogenetic relationships among pear species. The findings also demonstrated that the wide variability between species with different geographical origins, and their multiple peculiarities of interest, represents a cornerstone as the source of genes of great utility for pear breeding or for utilizing trees for different edible crops and for silvocultural, landscape, or ecological purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]