Liveseed
LiveseedMapping of organic breeding initiatives in Europe
In a desk study based on web search, online survey, partner and expert interviews, Engagement BioBreeding is mapping existing organic plant and animal breeding initiatives. The initial mapping of the plant breeding initiatives was conducted in the scope of LIVESEED (Horizon 2020 Grant Agreement No 727230).
The geographic mapping allows to get an overview of the present breeding activities, to improve networking and exchange between initiatives on European level and to identify breeding gaps.
The map can be viewed at https://www.biobreeding.org/breeding.html.
Mapping of organic animal breeding initiatives is in progress and a survey can be found on the same page.
Apple breeding initiatives in Europe
Apples are the most prominent fruit produced in Europe. However, their organic production is very challenging and most cultivars can only be produced economically with copper application to combat fungal diseases. Therefore, the existing cultivars need to be replaced by more resilient genotypes also considering improvement of the rootstocks for better adaptation to organic soil and fertility conditions.
LIVESEED connects existing and new organic apple breeding initiatives to join forces and share knowledge and genetic resources.
The map below illustrates a non-exhaustive list of apple breeding initiatives across Europe:
