Wild Malus niedzwetzkyana Dieck ex Koehne as a Genetic Resource for Fire Blight Resistance

Wild apples and their hybrids are valued as a source of genetic resistance to biotic abiotic stress. Malus niedzwetzkyana is an endangered ornamental apple species endemic Southeast Kazakhstan, the center domestication. To test fire blight M. niedzwetzkyana, eight plant genotypes were inoculated with local strain Erwinia amylovora. The possess different backgrounds, which was confirmed via SSR profiling. Four out displayed moderate severe symptoms infection, while three wild proved resistant. search for resistance, samples tested presence FBF7 QTL using SCAR markers, where seven positive one markers (AE10-375) other (GE80-19). No correlation between phenotype confirmed, indicating lies elsewhere. Developing detailed phenotypic profiles helps advance both preservation efforts marker-assisted selection in breeding.