S02 - Session O1 - Conserving Ireland’s indigenous apple varieties for genetic diversity, cultural heritage and future research

Authors: Caroline Elliott-Kingston *, Gwyneth MacMaster

Ireland has a unique historical collection of heritage apples. The Orchard of the University College Dublin (UCD) curates 97 heritage Irish apple varieties in a vital repository for conserving the national cultural and genetic heritage. The collection has historical significance as a collection from the island of Ireland and is one of three national repositories. The genetic diversity conserved in this orchard provides access to living material for use in horticulture, conservation, teaching, molecular biology, and public interest. Lack of written records limits detailed knowledge of apple introduction into Ireland, with knowledge traditionally passed down orally, resulting in fragmented and sometimes inaccurate records. As additional molecular information became available from abroad, we re-evaluated the accuracy of our variety identification and provided a deeper knowledge of our indigenous genetic resources. Indigenous Irish apple varieties have been in Ireland since the 1500s. Known Irish varieties from the 1800s include Brown Crofton, Ecklinville Seedling and Ard Cairn Russet. Molecular characterisation of every tree, using microsatellite markers (DNA fingerprinting) to provide accurate taxonomic identification, was undertaken in conjunction with NIAB EMR, Kent, UK and Fruit ID. Of 97 apple varieties at UCD, 82 varieties' identification was confirmed; 15 varieties require further work on their identity due to misidentification or microsatellite marker failure. Several varieties previously thought to be historically Irish had a DNA profile matching a non-Irish variety, e.g. White Russet had a DNA profile matching Queen Caroline (UK variety). In addition, different local names existed for the same Irish variety. We worked with other Irish orchards on a common Irish varietal name, with local names listed as synonyms. UCD is committed to working with our Irish partners (Irish Seed Savers Association and Office of Public Works) and international partners (Fruit ID) to protect this valuable national heritage collection for genetic diversity, research, education, and cultural heritage.