USDA Wild and Cultivated Apple Tree Collection with Ben Gutierrez

07/30/24 • 58 min

Learn about the wild and cultivated apple varieties at the USDA's Apple Collection of 5000+ Unique apple trees in Geneva, New York with my guest Ben Gutierrez, Curator of Apple and Tart Cherry for the USDA.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website www.orchardpeople.com.

For more information visit the USDA Plant Genetics Resource Unit website.
For more information on the USDA's apple collection annual open house visit USDA's apple collection annual open house page.

This show goes out LIVE on the last Tuesday of every month at 1.00 pm Eastern Time. After that you can download the podcast.

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(00:00) - Introduction to Apple Diversity
(00:29) - Exploring the USDA Apple Tree Collection
(01:10) - Meet the Curator: Ben Gutierrez
(01:23) - Viewer Interaction and Questions
(02:08) - The Importance of Apple Tree Conservation
(03:40) - Unique Traits and Breeding of New Cultivars from Wild Apple Trees
(04:23) - Annual Apple Tasting Event
(05:30) - Collaboration with Cornell University
(06:24) - Understanding Plant Genetics
(08:52) - Differences Between Tart and Sweet Cherries
(10:36) - Challenges in Apple Tree Conservation
(13:57) - Breeding and Market Trends
(17:10) - Backup Plans for Apple Tree Collections
(23:34) - Is Apple Flavor Influenced by Nature or Nuture.
(27:39) - Ben and Susan's Favorite Apples
(29:02) - Magical Heirloom Apple Experience with Horneburger Pfannkuchenapfel
(29:56) - Challenges in Apple Cultivar Naming Due to Many Historic Names
(30:24) - Exploring the Cherry Tree Collection
(30:46) - Sponsor Messages and Announcements
(34:22) - Listener Interaction and Questions
(35:44) - More About the Kerr Apple
(39:11) - Fire Blight: A Devastating Disease
(45:36) - Historic Cherry Preserves Discovery on Mount Vernon
(52:07) - Citizen Science and Apple Conservation
(56:45) - Open House Day at Geneva Apple Collection
(57:40) - Conclusion and Farewell

07/30/24 • 58 min

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