"The scientific objective of the programme is to establish the genetic and physiological bases of the regulation of skin red colour development on apples under high temperature environments as a model case of economic exploitation of genomics knowledge. Science objectives are: •To identify genes involved in expression of red colour development under high temperatures and develop appropriate genetic markers which can be used in breeding programmes for new apple cultivars with high red skin colour and high neutraceutical properties. •To gain knowledge on how cultivar, strain, carbon balance and temperature regulate anthocyanin physiological pathway and interact with genetics regulation. •To use this practical application of genomics delivering economic benefits to the EU as a “springboard” for further applications. The objectives to add value to the EU will be: •To develop markers to assist in the development of new high quality, apple varieties adapted to climates with high temperatures during maturity. This will improve the economic competitiveness of the EU apple industry in Southern European countries and then further north as climate change affects the quality of existing and new apple varieties in more temperate climates. • To improve the health of European citizens through increased consumption of fruit with high neutraceutical properties. • To contribute to food product innovation within Europeby assisting with the development of new fruit cultivars. • To increase the skills and knowledge of the EU partners in order to better apply genomics to apple breeding of benefit to the EU. This project is a multidisciplinary initiative allowing the exchange of scientists among 3 research institutes with international recognition in fruit tree biology. This is a unique opportunity to ally the institutes and combine participant’s skills in plant genomics, biotechnologies, plant physiology, postharvest and apple and pear breeding towards a unique outcome."