Preservationists Decide Genetic Makeup of Traditional Fruit Types
Pomologists Gerlinde Handlechner and Martina Schmidthaler Preserve Rare Fruit Varieties in Austria's Mostviertel Region
In the picturesque Mostviertel region of Austria, Gerlinde Handlechner and Martina Schmidthaler are renowned for their efforts in preserving old and rare apple and pear varieties. As pioneering pomologists, they are indispensable in identifying, documenting, and promoting these heritage fruit varieties that form part of the region's cultural and agricultural heritage.
Their contributions span across several areas, including the preservation of heritage varieties, research and documentation, cultivation and propagation, and awareness and education.
Preservation of Heritage Varieties
Handlechner and Schmidthaler have been instrumental in safeguarding traditional apple and pear varieties that were at risk of disappearing due to modern agricultural practices favouring commercial varieties. By identifying, documenting, and propagating these rare fruits, they help maintain genetic diversity and preserve biodiversity in the region.
Research and Documentation
The duo has meticulously documented numerous rare and ancient fruit varieties, contributing valuable pomological knowledge, including characteristics, flavor profiles, and historical significance. Their work culminated in the publication of "Apples and Pears - Treasures of the Orchards" in 2019, a comprehensive work that analysed 248 varieties after two years of preparatory work.
Cultivation and Propagation
By cultivating these old varieties and encouraging local growers and communities to do the same, Handlechner and Schmidthaler help maintain genetic diversity and cultural heritage. The documentation of old fruit varieties in the Mostviertel region, which often only exist as individual trees, has become a standard work for hundreds of these varieties.
Awareness and Education
Through workshops, publications, and collaborations with local associations and horticultural groups, Handlechner and Schmidthaler raise public awareness of the importance of fruit biodiversity and the cultural value of traditional fruit varieties. They also offer theory and practical courses, providing a hands-on learning experience for those interested in preserving these heritage fruits.
The work of Handlechner and Schmidthaler not only preserves biodiversity but also supports sustainable agriculture, local traditions, and culinary heritage in the Mostviertel region. They are still actively involved in identifying old apple and pear varieties and working on documenting the DNA profiles of newly discovered fruit varieties.
A group of trained fruit experts, including Handlechner and Schmidthaler, accompany planting and care measures in orchards. Their work includes DNA verification of the 248 fruit varieties documented in "Apples and Pears - Treasures of the Orchards" and ongoing work on verifying newly discovered fruit varieties.
The Mostviertel region is home to over 30,000 fruit trees, but the funding for these trees was not specified in the article. Despite this, the dedication of Handlechner and Schmidthaler to their work ensures that these heritage fruits continue to thrive and remain an integral part of the region's cultural and agricultural landscape.
- The science of preserving heritage fruits in the Mostviertel region, such as old apple and pear varieties, is spearheaded by pomologists Gerlinde Handlechner and Martina Schmidthaler, who also contribute to health-and-wellness by promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.
- In addition to their work in preservation, Handlechner and Schmidthaler engage in nutrition-related activities by educating the public on the importance of fruit biodiversity and offering courses that foster fitness-and-exercise through practical learning experiences in orchards.
