Michigan State University researchers are exploring the potential of the Malus coronaria, a native Michigan apple tree, to develop more frost-resistant apple varieties in the face of climate change. The project involves studying the tree's genetic makeup to understand its ability to bloom later than commercial apples, potentially safeguarding apple production in a warming climate.
In the quest to safeguard apple trees against a warming climate, researchers in Michigan are seeking a late bloomer. A native Michigan apple tree, the Malus coronaria, has evolved to combat frost by blooming two or three weeks later than commercially grown apples. This seemingly small difference often proves sufficient for the flowers to evade the destructive spring frost.
Steve van Nocker, a professor of horticulture and plant geneticist at Michigan State University, aims to unravel the genetic secrets behind the Malus coronaria's delayed blooms. His ultimate goal is to utilize this knowledge to cultivate more frost-resistant apple varieties, a process that could span several decades. Van Nocker's pursuit involves traversing Michigan forests in search of wild Malus coronaria trees. His team meticulously collects stem cuttings, meticulously analyzing them to confirm their authenticity. These cuttings are then grafted onto apple rootstocks, nurturing the growth of trees genetically identical to their wild counterparts. However, the intention is not to replace popular apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp with the Malus coronaria, whose fruit is small, green, and rather bitter. Instead, van Nocker seeks to isolate the genes responsible for late blooming and develop a genetic resource that breeders can leverage to create commercially viable apples with enhanced frost tolerance.This endeavor aligns with a broader global effort to enhance apple resilience in the face of climate change. In Europe and South Korea, growers are experimenting with solar panels integrated into vineyards and orchards. These panels offer multifaceted benefits, shielding fruit from hail and sun damage while simultaneously allowing for light and heat penetration when necessary. Jared Buono, director of Cornell University's Hudson Valley Research Lab, emphasizes the importance of such innovative solutions, stating, 'Growers' jobs are already hard. The change in climate, the increased unpredictability and variability, makes it that much harder.' The University of Maryland has recently unveiled a new apple variety boasting enhanced heat tolerance. At Penn State University, researchers have developed an unmanned vehicle equipped with a propane-fueled heater capable of autonomously traversing orchards and warming trees. These advancements underscore the urgency and ingenuity driving the quest to secure the future of apple cultivation in a rapidly changing world
Climate Change Apple Trees Frost Resistance Malus Coronaria Agriculture Research
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