Canada: Vineland Research developing apples for enthusiasts
As part of the research project, which started in 2011 in partnership with the Ontario Apple Growers, the Vineland team has been sequencing the DNA of 70 varieties of high quality apples from Vineland’s Apple Heritage Orchard and modern commercial lines. “Based on our apple sensory profile of attributes such as taste, texture and flavour, we are able to map the human sensory perception and taste experience for apples and identify genetic markers for specific fruit quality consumers prefer,” said Dr. Daryl Somers, Vineland’s Research Director, Applied Genomics. “These markers are used to accelerate Vineland’s breeding program by focusing on varieties that meet consumers’ preferences.”
There are currently more than 4,000 apple trees planted for evaluation at Vineland’s research farm. These trees are the progeny of crosses based on apple quality and plant adaptation. An additional 9,000 apple seedlings planted earlier, will be budded onto root stock this month. They were selected, using DNA fingerprinting, for sugar/acid balance, firmness and better storage potential. The goal of the project is to plant a total of 25,000 trees for evaluation over the next few years.
In a consumer study, Vineland researchers also investigated consumer preference using 20 of the most distinct apple varieties within the original pool of 70. “We determined 89 per cent of consumers prefer fresh red apple flavour while 11 per cent of consumers are more interested in fresh green apple flavour,” said Dr. Amy Bowen, Research Program Leader, Consumer Insights.
Visit www.vinelandresearch.com for more information.