Altmark is looking for the last apple tree treasures for our legacy!

Altmark is looking for the last apple tree treasures for our legacy!

Harz, Deutschland - In the Altmark, a fertile initiative is blooming: The landscape maintenance association Altmark-Elb-Havel-Winkel is looking for old, resistant apple trees to preserve the genetic heritage of these valuable plants. This action is all about climate change and the need to protect the genetic diversity of apple culture. The chairwoman of the association Detlef Braune has been committed to a treasure of local apple varieties for years and is convinced that, in particular, old trees, often over 100 years old, have a remarkable robustness and adaptability to climate changes. mdr.de reports that…

But why are old varieties so important? Old apple varieties have a variety of shapes, colors and tastes - they are perfectly tailored to the regional conditions and contribute to the preservation of our culinary heritage. Unfortunately, the knowledge of the care of these valuable varieties is often lost. Garden fans and fruit growers are therefore called up to report old apple trees so that they can be scientifically examined and, if necessary, increased. In this way, the tradition of apple construction can also be preserved for future generations. natur-gartenfreunde.de shows that ...

preserve diversity

The "bridal apple" and the "Boskop" are just two examples of old varieties that are threatened with extinction. The former “Boskop” economic apple was once known for its long storage capacity and was kept under optimal conditions until the end of April. Such old varieties are not only cultural treasures, but also ecologically significant. Biologists warn of the loss of genetic diversity, as many types of trading fruit have a close genetic relationship. By maintaining these old varieties, we can also preserve the variety of fruit growing culture. Landundforst.de emphasizes that…

The preservation of these cultural treasures is much more than just the preservation of fruit varieties. Obstbau is closely linked to regional traditions and culinary customs. Old apple varieties not only promote biological diversity, but are also an important asset against the challenges of climate change. They are characterized by resistant properties and could thus make a significant contribution to food production in a changing environment.

A call to action

fruit growers and garden friends in the region are now required: it is important to identify and report old apple trees. However, maintaining these trees requires special knowledge, which are often no longer widespread. The knowledge of care and cultivation could be passed on through exchange and courses. The cultivation of old apple varieties in house gardens can not only give joy, but also contribute to the preservation of a piece of local history.

With events and markets that devote themselves to old apple varieties, the exchange and sale of these treasures is promoted. A step that not only ensures the culinary heritage, but also creates awareness of the importance of the old varieties in our modern world.