Small Fruit Germplasm Collection in Northeast China

Abstract

The wealth of small fruit genetic resources present in China is recognized; however, very little collection and subsequent incorporation of this germplasm have taken place. From July to Aug. 1996, we collected small fruit germplasm with Chinese colleagues in northeast China. The collection area was primarily in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces; from the Russian border (53°N) to the North Korean border and south to 42°N. Collections were made in the Changbai Shan, Xio Hinggan Ling, and Da Hinggan Ling mountain ranges. The primary genera of interest included Rubus, Ribes, Vaccinium, and Fragaria. In addition, species within Corylus, Actinidia, Lonicera, Sambucus, and Schizandra were collected along with ornamental trees, herbaceous perennials, and shrubs when available. Seed was shared with our Chinese colleagues. Collections have been deposited within the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System. The most-promising collections included: an extremely large fruited Rubus crataegifolius population, many populations of Vaccinium uliginosum and V. vitis-idaea from a broad geographic range, large samples of F. orientalis, and a number of populations of the edible Lonicera caerulea. The collected species, collection sites, and observations will be presented.