What Are You Prepared to Invest in New Varieties?

摘要

Apples in particular are recognized by their varietal names the world over with almost everyone being able to name at least one when quizzed. A look back in history soon shows why this is the case. In 300 BC, the Greek philosopher Theophra-tus who iscredited with founding the science of botany clearly distinguished crab apple and cultivated apple varieties. One in particular was called Epirotic and was thought to have originated in Albania. This variety is mentioned again, some 400 years later in the Natural History of the first century AD written by the Roman, Pliny. Pliny goes on to record the various characteristics of each apple variety and how and when they are best consumed (Morgan and Richards, 1993).