Apple tree true from seed

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Bear1, Dec 17, 2023.

  1. Bear1

    Bear1 Gardener

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    Hi
    So I am amazed by the genitic variability of apple trees from a seed you will get something completely different and I know as most apple trees are not self fertile most seeds are a genetic mix of 2 variety's, but what about self fertile apple trees if it fertileized its self would the seeds from the fruit be true our just as variable as any other apple seed and produce a new variety? I have sown apple seeds every year for past few years so far I have one that's not bothered by disease and has grown 5ft in 3years and has only recently dropped its leaves so hears hoping one day it produces something have edible lol
     
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    • NigelJ

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      Not necessarily, Even if it fertilised itself; meiosis would ensure chromosome mixing. 2n chromosomes go to n chromosomes, via meiosis and then recombine in the offspring back to 2n. The main effect would be seen in dominant/recessive gene pairs.
      Also some apples, for example Bramley, are triploid (3n rather than 2n)
       
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      • Bear1

        Bear1 Gardener

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        Thanks thats a great answer way better than Google, now it's christmas might be getting another apple tree for Christmas nerd one that's bullet proof as live in Glen's of North antrim where its wet cool snd windy and clay al the way, time to do more research
         
      • Adam I

        Adam I Gardener

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        if its actually worth planting depends more on the parents than anything. big orchards apparently use crab apples as pollinators :rolleyespink:
        we use crab apples for a yummy jam though. good with cheese.
         
      • NigelJ

        NigelJ Total Gardener

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        Even self fertile apples do better with pollinating varieties near by.
        Descriptions of how the actual variety performs are better than looking at parentage, which is not always available.
        Have a look at these two sites What fruit varieties are suitable for Northern Ireland? and Irish Heritage Apples
        Have a chat with local fruit nurseries(if any) and local people growing apples.
         
      • Baalmaiden

        Baalmaiden Gardener

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        Apples have an incredibly complicated genetic history going back 1500 years or so. I remember reading about it in the RHS magazine a few years ago. That's why you often need a different tree to pollinate many varieties. I believe Bramleys need more than one.
         
      • Baalmaiden

        Baalmaiden Gardener

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        We have a wild apple tree growing nearby which has lovely looking fruit but absolutely tasteless! I guess it grew from a core someone threw out.
         
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