Preface

Cultivated apple (*Malus* x *domestica* Borkh.), which belongs to the *Rosaceae* family, is one of the most important fruit crops grown in the temperate zones of the world. Apples have been cultivated since ancient times. It is thought that the apple originated in Northern Anatolia, the Southern Caucasus, regions in the southwest of Russia, and around Central Asia. The wide adaptability of *Malus* allows it to be grown in many different climates. Despite high genetic variability, thousands of cultivars are distributed throughout the world. There are numerous studies on growing low-chilling apple cultivars in the subtropics and tropics. In some countries, apple production areas and rates are greater than those of other temperate fruit crops.

*Apple Cultivation – Recent Advances* discusses the many species of *Malus* in three sections: "Apple Germplasm, Molecular Characterization and *In Vitro* Culture", "Hormonal Regulation, Phytopathogens and Phenolics", and "Cultivars, Rootstocks, Nursery and Production Techniques of Malus Species".

> **Dr. Ayzin Küden** Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, University of Cukurova, Adana, Türkiye

**1**

Section 1

Apple Germplasm, Molecular

Characterization and *In Vitro*

Culture

### Section 1
