USDA Wild and Cultivated Apple Tree Collection with Ben Gutierrez

Learn about the wild and cultivated apple varieties at the USDA's Apple Collection of 5000+ Unique apple trees in Geneva, New York with my guest Ben Gutierrez, Curator of Apple and Tart Cherry for the USDA. For more information visit the USDA Plant Genetics Resource Unit website. For more information on the USDA's apple collection annual open house visit USDA's apple collection annual open house page. The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com. Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world. We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading. RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE INJoin our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments!Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later. Here’s how:Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on TuesdayLive Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on TuesdayAudio Podcast: Download the podcast after the showVideo Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist NEWSLETTERDo you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond?Sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/ PREMIUM EDUCATIONFor premium fruit tree care education, visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ if you are ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees. CONNECT AND GROW WITH USYou can also connect with us in the various communities listed below in the footer! Let's grow together.  (00:00) - Introduction to Apple Diversity (00:29) - Exploring the USDA Apple Collection (01:10) - Meet the Expert: Ben Gutierrez (02:14) - The Importance of Genetic Diversity (04:22) - Public Engagement and Open House (05:29) - Collaboration with Cornell University (06:24) - Understanding Plant Genetics (10:42) - Challenges in Apple Cultivation (17:10) - Backup Plans for Apple Preservation (26:47) - Understanding Fruit Variation (27:22) - Favorite Apple Varieties (28:01) - Exploring the Kerr Apple (33:42) - Fire Blight Disease (36:42) - Tart Cherry Collection (40:05) - George Washington's Preserved Cherries (46:48) - Citizen Science and Apple Conservation (51:20) - Open House Event Details