Apples are one of the most valued tree fruit crops around the world. Currently, a few highly popular and economically successful apple cultivars dominate the commercial production and serve as main genetic contributors to the development of new apple cultivars. This limited level of genetic diversity grown as a clonally propagated monoculture renders the apple industry vulnerable to the wide range of weather events, pests, and pathogens. Wild apple species are an excellent source of beneficial alleles for the wide range of biotic and abiotic stressors challenging apple production. However, the biological barriers of breeding with small-fruited wild apples greatly limit their use. Using a closely related wild species of apple such as Malus sieversii can improve the efficiency of breeding efforts and broaden the base of available genetics. M. sieversii is the main progenitor of the domesticated apple, native to Central Asia. The similarity of fruit morphology to domesticated apples and resistances to abiotic and biotic stresses makes it appealing for apple breeding programs. However, this important species is under threat of extinction in its native range. Preserving the wild apple forests in Central Asia is vital for ensuring the sustainable protection of this important genetic resource. The insufficient awareness about the complete range of challenges and opportunities associated with M. sieversii hinders the maximization of its potential benefits. This review aims to provide comprehensive information on the cultural and historical context of M. sieversii, current genetic knowledge for breeding, and the conservation challenges of wild apple forests.

中文翻译：

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Malus sieversii：驯化苹果主要祖先物种的历史、遗传和保护观点


苹果是世界上最有价值的树果作物之一。目前，一些非常受欢迎且经济上成功的苹果品种在商业生产中占主导地位，并成为新苹果品种开发的主要遗传贡献者。作为克隆繁殖的单一栽培生长的这种有限水平的遗传多样性使苹果产业容易受到各种天气事件、害虫和病原体的影响。野苹果物种是挑战苹果生产的各种生物和非生物压力源的有益等位基因的极好来源。然而，与小果实野苹果育种的生物屏障极大地限制了它们的使用。使用密切相关的野生苹果品种，如 Malus sieversii 可以提高育种工作的效率并拓宽可用遗传学的基础。M. sieversii 是驯化苹果的主要祖先，原产于中亚。水果形态与驯化苹果的相似性以及对非生物和生物胁迫的抵抗力使其对苹果育种计划具有吸引力。然而，这个重要的物种在其原生地正面临灭绝的威胁。保护中亚的野生苹果林对于确保这一重要遗传资源的可持续保护至关重要。对与 M. sieversii 相关的全部挑战和机遇的认识不足阻碍了其潜在益处的最大化。本综述旨在提供有关 M. sieversii 的文化和历史背景、当前育种遗传知识以及野生苹果林保护挑战的全面信息。