FruitDiv aims to monitor, characterise, utilise and conserve the diversity of Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) of fruit trees, with a particular focus on wild species of Malus, Pyrus and Prunus.
In an era of global climate change and increasing agricultural and environmental challenges, the wild relatives of crop plants represent a genetic treasure trove that can ensure the sustainability and resilience of agricultural practices. By exploring and conserving these bioresources, FruitDiv aims to revolutionise the way we think about agriculture, laying the foundations for a future where food security, reduced pesticide use and biodiversity protection go hand in hand.
The objective of the ICB Cluj team: characterisation, valorisation and conservation of the high genetic diversity of wild relatives of fruit trees of the genera: Malus (apple), Pyrus (pear), Prunus (dogwood, almond, cherry).