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Michigan researchers explore malus coronaria genes to improve frost resistance in apples

In Michigan, researchers are delving into the genetic makeup of the Malus coronaria, a native apple tree known for its late blooming characteristic, to enhance the frost resistance of commercial apple varieties. This initiative, led by Steve van Nocker, a plant geneticist at Michigan State University, aims to identify the genes responsible for the tree's ability to bloom weeks later than cultivated apple types, thereby avoiding spring frost damage.

The endeavor is part of broader efforts to adapt apple cultivation to the challenges posed by climate change, which introduces greater variability and unpredictability in weather patterns. Innovations are being explored globally, from the integration of solar panels in European and South Korean orchards to the development of heat-tolerant apple varieties and frost prevention technologies in the United States.

Recent climatic studies, including one from Washington State University, highlight the shifting conditions in major apple-producing regions, with implications for bloom timing and fruit quality. These changes underscore the urgency of developing resilient apple cultivars.

The search for Malus coronaria specimens involves fieldwork to locate and collect samples from these increasingly rare trees. The collected material is then grafted onto apple rootstock, facilitating the growth of identical trees for further study. While the ultimate goal is not to commercialize the Malus coronaria fruit—known for its small, green, and bitter apples—the project seeks to leverage its genetic traits to benefit commercial apple breeding programs.

This research not only aims to safeguard the future of apple production in Michigan but also contributes valuable genetic resources to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensuring the preservation of these traits for future breeding efforts. Despite the long timeline for developing a late-blooming commercial apple, the project reflects a proactive approach to addressing the agricultural challenges posed by climate change.

Source: ABC News

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