Traditional fruit varieties

Conservation of traditional fruit varieties along the upper Rhine

 

Background

Palatinate , Alsace and Baden are traditional fruit growing regions with a high proportion of scattered orchards. During the last century, a wide variety of regional fruit varieties have emerged in this region that are well adapted to site-specific conditions and that often feature robustness against diseases, pests and climatic influences. However, since the middle of the 20 th century, fruit growing is, for various reasons, understood to be in decline. Above all, the profitability of production is becoming less favourable given that fruit in plantations can be produced more cost-effectively and is increasingly being imported from abroad. A significant cross-border cultural asset is threatened by the decline of fruit production and the disappearance of local fruit varieties. Moreover, the genetic variabiltiy still existing in the species diversity is in danger. This variability is the basis for breeding activities and for the preservation of specific variety characteristics. These may acquire an importance not yet foreseeable, for example, in the cases of new diseases emerging, climate change or new consumer behaviour.

 

Objective and proposed measures

The main goal of the INTERREG-IV-project is the identification and conservation of traditional fruit varieties as well as the trial of possibilities for innovative economic exploitation. The project will be implemented by a total of 14 partners from Baden-Württemberg, Alsace and Rhineland-Palatinate.

 

The following measures will be carried out within the consortium:

  • Orchards will be analysed with respect to rare fruit varieties which are worth preserving,
  • varieties and their characteristics will be identified and classified with regard to the degree of vulnerability,
  • the documentation and monitoring of varieties will be carried out with the help of a database,
  • the suitability of various fruit varieties for the production of regional specialties will be investigated,
  • The interests of old varieties and orchards as cultural assets and characteristic elements of the landscape will be promoted.

 

The Institute for Landscape Management supplements the search for varieties in the consortium by carrying out investigations relating to the issue of the distribution and application of traditional fruit varieties in the region. These investigations include a study of current and historical sources relating to agriculture and fruit growing along the upper Rhine. In this way, the history, former significance and distribution of fruit varieties in the region will be presented and their traditional potential uses will be identified.

To gain insights into the traditional fruit varieties in the region, extensive analysis of available literature concerning the study area, of which historical sources will be the particular focus, will be carried out. In addition, further information regarding the incidence, importance and utilisation of traditional fruit varieties will be compiled from qualitative guided interviews with fruit growers and fruit growing consultants. The findings on the distribution, utilisation and interior and exterior characteristics of the individual varieties will be collected and published in an appropriate form.

With the help of written sources on fruit growing it will in turn be established which fruit varieties feature a special blossom or colouring or particularly visually attractive fruits. At the same time, the landscape aspect of the topic will be illuminated in that, with the help of historical sources, not only the incidence of old varieties but also their spatial distribution throughout the upper Rhine landscape will be documented.

These insights can, at a later stage, flow into targeted landscaping with old fruit varieties.


 

 


Project Duration:

June 2009 – May 2012

Funding:

INTERREG IV

Researcher:

Manuel Oelke

Partner:

Baden-Württemberg:

 

 

 

Benutzerspezifische Werkzeuge