Audio long read: Apple revival — how science is bringing historic varieties back to life
Nov 24, 2023
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Researchers are using genetics to revive forgotten apple varieties. Sequencing apple genomes could unlock new flavors and traits, while also improving disease resistance. The podcast explores the challenges of apple cultivation, the dominance of Red Delicious, and the rise of popular cultivars like Gala and Honeycrisp. It also delves into the process of breeding and engineering new apple varieties, including the potential of genetic engineering to accelerate the process.
Reviving historic apple varieties through genome sequencing could unlock the next blockbuster fruit and develop more resilient trees.
Genome-wide association studies and genetic testing help identify genes responsible for desired apple traits, expediting breeding and genetic editing.
Deep dives
Rediscovering the Colorado Orange apple
The Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project, led by Jude Shunemiah, successfully revived the endangered heirloom apple variety known as the Colorado Orange. After months of research and consultation, a young sapling was grown from a tree discovered on private land near Canyon City, Colorado. This conservation effort aims to preserve these historic apple varieties, not only for their unique flavors but also for their potential resistance to disease and environmental pressures.
Uncovering the genetic traits of apple varieties
Researchers, like Amy Dunbar Wallace and Cameron Peace, study the genes of different apple varieties to identify the genetic variants responsible for traits such as taste, texture, and resistance to climate conditions. Through genome-wide association studies and genetic testing, they can explore the relationships between apple cultivars and discover specific genes associated with desired traits. This knowledge could potentially accelerate the process of breeding new apple varieties or even genetic editing.
Preserving heirloom apples for the future
The conservation of heirloom apple varieties is crucial to safeguarding genetic diversity and preserving the cultural history of apple cultivation. While modern commercial cultivars dominate the market, there is a growing interest in reviving old and obscure apple varieties. These heirloom apples not only offer unique flavors but also possess genetic traits that could contribute to future apple breeding efforts. However, it's important to ensure that these varieties are free from pathogens and diseases.
Researchers have been resurrecting apple trees to revive forgotten varieties of the fruit. They hope that sequencing these apples' genomes could uncover mutations that influence flavour, colour, crispness and other characteristics. This knowledge could help unlock the next blockbuster fruit, and develop trees that are more resistant to disease, climate change and other environmental pressures.