短枝型苹果是一类具有树体矮化、紧凑、易管理,早果、丰产等特点的苹果种质资源,也是我国苹果矮化密植栽培可以利用的重要种质。现综述了短枝型苹果的特性(生长习性、生理生化特性、结果特性)、遗传(遗传规律、分子机制)、鉴定或评价技术及选育概况等方面的进展,以期为进一步研究和利用提供指导。 Spiky apple is a kind of apple germplasm resources with dwarfing, compact, easy to manage, early fruit, high yield and so on. It is also an important germplasm which can be used by apple dwarfing close planting in our country. In this paper, the progress of the characteristics (growth habits, physiological and biochemical characteristics, character of the results), genetic (genetic laws, molecular mechanisms), appraisal or evaluation techniques and breeding selection of the spiky apples are reviewed in order to provide further research and utilization guide.