Overview

The apple breeding program at Cornell is one of the largest fruit breeding programs in the world. My objectives include the development of new superior varieties for the apple industry with unique flavors, exceptional crispness, enhanced storage and shelf life, and the incorporation of resistance to disease and insect pests, and training students in the science of fruit breeding and genetics.

Research Focus

We use both traditional breeding and transgene technology to develop new apple varieties, furthering our knowledge of the genetics of key traits in apples and identifying molecular markers for important characteristics for use in marker-assisted breeding (MAB). We identify outstanding advanced selections for potential variety release, and evaluate populations to study the inheritance of plant form, antioxidants, quality attributes and other characters. Interspecific hybrid populations are providing valuable material to study methylation of genes, as well as offering vast phenotypic diversity for genetic studies.

Outreach and Extension Focus

Emphasis is on producing superior advanced apple selections for commercialization, including novel uses and ornamental types. Growers are updated on the status of the breeding program and issues in intellectual property rights, and are given the opportunity to sample advanced selections at a variety showcase. Trees of advanced selections have been established in grower orchards throughout the state to test their adaptation and potential. This is done in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Trials are also being established in other regions of the US and internationally.

Teaching Focus

Apple breeding and genetic improvement. Integration of genomic tools in the breeding of clonal fruit tree crops such as apple.

Additional Links

• RosBREED
• `Hartland` Black Sweet Cherry
• Developing new fruit varieties (impact statement)
• Plant patents and variety releases
• Grad student research
• RosBREED profile
• 'New York 1' and 'New York 2' apples
• Link to CALS Research and Impact
• Link to Research & Expertise Across Cornell

Selected Publications

Journal Publications

• Wang, A., Aldwinckle, H. S., Forsline, P. L., Main, D., Fazio, G., Brown, S. K., & Xu, K. (2012). EST contig-based SSR linkage maps for Malus x domestica Royal Gala and an apple scab resistant accession of M. sieversii, the progenitor species of domestic apple. Molecular Breeding. 29:379-397.
• Xu, K., Wang, A., & Brown, S. K. (2012). Genetic characterization of the Ma locus with pH and titratable acidity in apple. Molecular Breeding. 30:899–912.
• Rao, M. A., & Brown, S. K. (2011). Rheological characteristics of apple skin and apple firmness.. International Journal of Food Properties. 14:1297-1304..
• Ko, K., Brown, S. K., Norelli, J. L., Hrazdina, G., & Aldwinckle, H. S. (2010). In vitro pollen functionality of attacin-transgenic “Royal Gala” apple plants and apples transformed with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS)-antisense vector. . Plant Biosystems. 144:6.
• Shulaev, V., Korban, S. S., Sosinski, B., Abbott, A. G., Aldwinckle, H. S., Folta, K. M., Iezzoni, A., Main, D., Arus, P., Dandekar, A. M., Lewers, K., Brown, S. K., Davis, T. M., Gardiner, S. M., Potter, D., & Veilleux, R. E. (2008). Multiple models for Rosaceae genomics. Plant Physiology. 147:985-1003.

Book Chapters

• Brown, S. K., (2012). Apple (Malus x domestica). Chapter 10. Fruit Breeding. Handbook of Plant Breeding.. Fruit Breeding. M.L. Badnes and D. Byrne. (ed.), Springer,
• Brown, S. K., (2008). Breeding and biotechnology for flavor development in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.). p. 147-160 Biotechnology in Flavor Production. Daphne Havin-Frenkel and Faith C. Belanger (ed.), Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa, US
• Hancock, J. F., Luby, J. J., Brown, S. K., & Lobos, G. A. (2008). Apples. p. 1-38 Temperate Fruit Crop Breeding: Germplasm to Genomics. Hancock, J. and Luby, J (ed.), Springer, Netherlands
• Brown, S. K., & Maloney, K. E. (2004). Malus x domestica Apple. In: Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops. p. 475-511 Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops. R. Litz (ed.), CAB International, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
• Brown, S. K., & Maloney, K. E. (2003). Genetic Improvement of Apple: Breeding, Markers, Mapping and Biotechnology. p. 31-59 Apples: Botany, Production and Uses. D.C. Ferree and I.J. Warrington (ed.), CAB International, Oxon, United Kingdom

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