The Introduction and Breeding of Vaccinioideae in Russia

Abstract

This article briefly reviews the history of researching the introduction and breeding of cranberry, blueberry and cowberry in the world. The results and prospects of research in these areas in the CSBS SB RAS and the CEFES ARRISMF are presented. The article shows the effectiveness of selecting from natural populations promising material for introduction and breeding, and also the usage of intraspecific and interspecific hybridization for Vaccinioidaea breeding. As a result of longterm studies, the collections of Vaccinioidae were made in Russia. In CSBG SB RAS it totals 7 species, 1 subspecies, 54 varieties, 8 hybrids, 101 forms, including 64 selections and world’s first 8 varieties of Vaccinium uliginosum. In CE FES ARRISMF it totals 7 species, 1 subspecies, 82 varieties, 40 hybrids, 58 forms including 40 selections and the first Russian 7 varieties of Oxycoccus palustris and 3 varieties of Vaccinium vitis-idaea.