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

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

A fruitful initiative is flourishing in the Altmark: The Altmark-Elb-Havel-Winkel landscape conservation association is looking for old, resilient apple trees in order to preserve the genetic heritage of these valuable plants. This campaign is under the sign of climate change and the need to protect the genetic diversity of the apple culture. The club's chairman, Detlef Braune, has been committed to a treasure trove of local apple varieties for years and is convinced that particularly old trees, often over 100 years old, have remarkable robustness and adaptability to climate changes. mdr.de reports that ...

But why are old varieties so important? Old apple varieties bring with them a variety of shapes, colors and flavors - they are perfectly tailored to regional conditions and contribute to the preservation of our culinary heritage. Unfortunately, knowledge about caring for these valuable varieties is often lost. Garden enthusiasts and fruit growers are therefore called upon to report old apple trees so that they can be scientifically examined and, if necessary, propagated. In this way, the tradition of apple growing can be preserved for future generations. [natur-gartenfreunde.de shows that...](https://www.natur-gartenfreunde.de/alte-apfel Sorten/)

Preserve diversity

The “Braupfel” and the “Boskop” are just two examples of old varieties that are threatened with extinction. The former economic apple “Boskop” was once known for its long shelf life and could be kept under optimal conditions until the end of April. Such ancient varieties are not only cultural treasures, but also ecologically significant. Biologists warn of the loss of genetic diversity because many commercial fruits have close genetic relationships. By cultivating these old varieties, we can also preserve the diversity of fruit growing. landundforst.de highlights that...

Preserving these cultural treasures is about much more than just preserving fruit varieties. Fruit growing 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 resilient properties and could therefore make a significant contribution to food production in a changing environment.

A call to action

Fruit growers and gardening enthusiasts in the region are now asked to identify and report old apple trees. However, caring for these trees requires specialized knowledge that is often no longer common. The knowledge about care and cultivation could be passed on through exchanges and courses. Growing old apple varieties in home gardens can not only bring joy, but also help preserve a piece of local history.

The exchange and sale of these treasures is promoted with events and markets dedicated to old apple varieties. A step that not only safeguards the culinary heritage, but also creates awareness of the importance of ancient varieties in our modern world.