Ologies with Alie Ward Pomology (APPLES) with Susan K. Brown
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Oct 18, 2023 Dr. Susan K. Brown, a pomologist and geneticist, discusses the fascinating world of apples, including apple picking tips, genetic mash-ups, DNA trivia, and the process of breeding and marketing new apple varieties. The podcast also explores the groundbreaking work of Dr. Barbara McClintock in discovering transposons, the origin of Granny Smith apples, challenges in apple breeding, the flavor of black licorice, growing apples in a backyard orchard, and common misconceptions about apples.
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Johnny Appleseed Seed Legacy
- Johnny Appleseed planted apple seeds from cidery leftover seeds to cheaply provide settlers with apple trees.
- He opposed grafting, believing in planting seed-grown trees to spread his religion and business.
Wild Apples and Animal Dispersal
- Wild apples originated in Central Asia and spread via animals like bears and horses.
- Bears dispersed apple seeds through droppings, influencing larger sweeter apple evolution along the Silk Road.
Jumping Genes Alter Apples
- Genetic mutations in apples arise from transposable elements or jumping genes discovered by Barbara McClintock.
- These elements cause color variations and loss of some quality traits over time.