Tasmanian apple varieties 'lost over the years' are being kept alive in a university
Agricultural scientists at the University of Tasmania are working to preserve rare, heritage apple varieties that have largely disappeared from commercial markets. The project involves reviving an abandoned orchard and cataloging the biological data of these 19th-century trees.
Why it matters
Preserving genetic diversity in agriculture is essential for long-term food security and maintaining historical botanical heritage.
Agricultural scientists and volunteer gardeners are playing their part in reviving a heritage-listed orchard in Launceston.
The state government has supplied the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) with more than 140 heritage apple trees.
The additional trees are being planted adjacent to the TIA's new $20 million grow facility currently under construction.
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It seems every year new apple varieties in rich red hues and catchy names hit supermarket shelves.
What you won't find in stores are apple varieties from more than 100 years ago, introduced to Tasmania by colonial settlers.
Some have survived in backyards and on old orchards for decades.
Volunteers learn about the different varieties in the orchard and how to look after them. ( Supplied: University of Tasmania )
The fruit perhaps doesn't store as well as modern breeds, but the flavours are rich and complex.
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