ARS | Publication request: The USDA/ARS Raisin Breeding Program

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: January 4, 2010
Publication Date: January 6, 2010
Citation: Ramming, D.W. 2010. The USDA/ARS Raisin Breeding Program. Meeting Proceedings. San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium. P. 8-11.

Interpretive Summary: The major objectives of the USDA/ARS raisin breeding program are outlined and the progress to date is reported. Objectives include: 1) natural dry-on-the-vine raisin grape cultivars; 2) powdery mildew resistant raisin grape cultivars; 3) Pierce’s disease resistant raisin grape cultivars; and 4) raisin grape cultivars with health benefits. Progress to date includes: 1) three advanced natural DOV selections have been submitted for virus indexing and another selection that has completed virus indexing is nearing release; 2) powdery mildew selections with raisin quality for tray drying or natural DOV have been propagated into production trials; 3) Pierce’s disease resistant raisin grapes from the 3rd generation of crosses have been propagated into production trials; and 4) seedless raisin selections with red flesh for health benefits have been made for the first time in 2009.

Technical Abstract: The USDA/ARS breeding program is developing: 1) natural dry-on-the-vine raisin grape cultivars; 2) powdery mildew resistant raisin grape cultivars; 3) Pierce’s Disease resistant raisin grape cultivars; and 4) raisin grape cultivars with increased anthocyanins for health benefits. A natural dry-on-the-vine raisin grape is nearing release. A number of powdery mildew resistance sources have been used in the breeding program and selections with raisin quality have been propagated for production trials. The 5th generation of crosses of Pierce’s disease resistant material with raisin quality was accomplished in 2009. This high quality material has potential to be a Pierce’s disease resistant cultivar with good raisin quality. Selections from the 4th generation will be propagated into production trials in 2010. The 3rd generation crosses for increased anthocyanin in raisin grapes has been accomplished. Selections from the 2nd generation with seedless fruit will be propagated for production trials in 2010.