The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) has a legacy breeding program that has spanned three fruit breeders and 60 years. The UADA Fruit Breeding Program is large, complex, and works on multiple crops. A recent program initiative has been the introduction of modern tools for breeding approaches and data collection and management. This talk will outline the process for developing a molecular breeding pipeline for blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) and muscadine grape (Muscadinia rotundifolia) and outline how these approaches benefit program progress. Additionally, advances in data collection techniques such as digital evaluations using an application and development of barcoding systems for streamlining processes and minimizing error will be described.
