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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Helena Horton Environment reporter

UK genetics project looks for lost apple varieties to protect fruit in climate crisis

Apple trees with pink and white flowers
‘Red devil’ apple trees at RHS Rosemoor in Devon. The project is led by the University of Bristol and the craft cider maker Sandford Orchards. Photograph: Neil Hepworth/RHS/PA

Gardeners are searching for lost apple varieties by sequencing the genetics of trees in ancient orchards, in the hope they hold traits that can help the fruit survive climate breakdown.

Heritage apple trees at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) garden Rosemoor will be sampled this spring with the aim of finding species of apple enjoyed by people hundreds of years ago.

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