Advances in Edible Pine Nut Trees (Pinus spp.) Breeding Strategies

Abstract

In response to the increasing demand for food and nutrition, there is an urgent need to improve the structure of grain production. The development and utilization of resources such as edible pine nuts will effectively alleviate the demand for grain crops. Edible pine nuts are an important food resources, are nutrient rich and may be a useful component and supplement of a healthy diet. In order to meet the growing demand for pine nuts, their economic value should be fully understood and existing wild pine nut resources should be sustainably managed to increase productivity. In order to achieve this, research into pine nut improvement and production should be strengthened; part of this process is the development of a selective breeding program. This chapter explains the collection, conservation, management, development and utilization of edible pine nut tree germplasm resources in a breeding strategy, and presents case studies where improvements to seed quality and pine nut production have been achieved.