Genetic Diversity and Domestication History in Pyrus

Abstract

The cultivated pear is a major fruit crop in Eurasia that underpins many local economies. However, its origin and domestication history, as well as the diversity of wild pears in natural ecosystems, are at the early stages of exploration. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the described diversity and genetic relationships among wild and cultivated Pyrus species. Non-discriminatory morphological characters, poor diagnostic genetic tools, and lack of access to samples scattered throughout worldwide genebank collections make it difficult to definitively elucidate relationships of pear species and more generally Pyrus diversification and domestication. High-throughput sequencing is providing advancements in our understanding of the domestication process of the pear, and of biogeography, taxonomy, and ecology of wild pears. This knowledge will be crucial for future breeding programs focused on improving quality and production traits.