During the period 1988-90, several germplasm collecting trips were mad
e to all republics of former Yugoslavia. A total of 56 old apple culti
vars, many of which are represented in up to 5 types, 38 old pear cult
ivars and 367 genotypes of vineyard peaches were collected. The availa
bility of so much genetic and genotypic wealth made it possible to sta
rt apple disease resistance breeding and peach cultivar and rootstock
breeding programmes.