A recent breakthrough has been made in the world of apples and geneticists. The discovery of the true identity of what is known as the “Unknown Founder 8”, a long-lost ancestor of modern apple varieties like the Royal Jubilee and Hormead’s Pearmain apples, highlights how DNA technology is changing the understanding of agricultural history.
Similar to tracking down family members from decades ago, people like John Teiser and Ainsleigh Rice have worked to trace the ancestors of antique apple varieties. DNA testing and genetic sequencing have made this possible, and they have identified trees that were thought to be extinct, like one in Gloucestershire that helped to solve the mystery of Unknown Founder 8. By analyzing the DNA of ancient trees, scientists and enthusiasts have mapped their genetic relationships and traced their lineage back to “ghost ancestors,” which are trees that no longer exist but left a genetic mark in modern apple varieties.
Even though there has been much progress, there is still a hunt for other lost varieties like Forest Styre, whose last confirmed tree was destroyed in the mid-20th century. DNA testing is not always conclusive, but it has brought researchers closer to finding out more.
Personal Opinion:
I find finding lost apple varieties interesting and exciting in the world of genetics. It shows how modern technology can help fill the gap between the past and present, not just with humans but also with agriculture. This work also makes me think about the diversity of agriculture. Many of the same crops are grown in today's agricultural world, which shows the need for variety that has slowly gotten smaller and smaller. I hope this will inspire more projects with other crops so that more variety can be rediscovered.
Links:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240619-the-apple-detectives-hunting-for-lost-varieties
Tags:
#Genetics #Biodiversity #Agriculture # Apples #Ancestors #DNA
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