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UK National Fruit Collections | |
The UK Malus Network database has identified varieties recorded in only one or two collections, excluding the National Fruit Collection, this number totals 269. These varieties may be potentially 'at risk' if not accessed into the National Fruit Collections or conserved in their native area. I shall be contacting all individual collection holders who have these varieties asking them for possible accession notes and descriptions details regarding these cultivars. Here is a small selection of these varieties for which we have full descriptions.
Apple Day - 21st October, is also Trafalgar Day, the anniversary of Nelson's greatest victory. Maybe we should be giving Nelson's Prolific centre stage that day!
Apple Day - 21 October is fast approaching and should be broadcast throughout the nation to stimulate those gardeners with an old small collection of apple trees at the bottom of the garden. They could be varieties unique to their region and of great interest to their community. There is much nostalgia connected with our heritage, particularly apples. It is important to retain old varieties that have proved their value over the years because they form a valuable genetic resource for the future. Apple Day is a day for community awareness, be prepared for much interest. If you think that maybe you have discovered an old local variety which you are sure is not common and have difficulty in finding an accurate description maybe we at the National Fruit Collections will be able to help. We have over 2,300 varieties in the National Collection and also have access to the standard references that contain varietal descriptions e.g. the National apple Register includes details of over 6,000 varieties of which many are probably lost.
Crown copyright, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, prepared by Imperial College at Wye. This material may be reproduced without formal permission or charge for personal or in-house use.
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nfc@ic.ac.uk | Last updated 23 November 2001 |