Interspecific hybridization history of <i>Vaccinium</i> berry crops and potential in wild relatives.

ABSTRACT: Wild species have been extensively used as a reservoir of genetic variability in plant breeding. Both blueberries and cranberries are crops from the highly diverse Vaccinium genus that have benefited from interspecific hybridizations throughout their domestication history. In this review, we compiled all documented interspecific hybridizations performed for blueberry and cranberry aiming to guide future breeding efforts. We report the traits of interest, success and failure of crosses, and give the taxonomic sections of the species involved. Out of the 500 species listed in Vaccinium, only 42 have been tested for hybridization so far. Successful crosses with fertile progenies have been reported across distantly related sections. Considering the polyphyletic nature of Vacci

SUBMITTER: Khalid AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12703620 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature