HFS Orchard Workshops for September 2022

SSR analyses of four marker-pairs in apple variety Cheddar Cross and its parents
Allington Pippin and Red Astrachan. All three of these varieties are diploid, which
is why only two non-zero SSR values are given for each of their marker-pairs. If
none of this makes any sense, read 'About DNA Testing of Apple Varieties' below!

The dates for the next HFS Volunteer Workshops at the Petty's Orchard Heritage Fruit block are:

the month's first Sunday, 4 September
the month's first Wednesday, 7 September (this is now our special plum/apricot workshop - see below)
the month's third Wednesday, 21 September

You're cordially invited to help us with:

Our on-going annual winter pruning
Doing checks on trees throughout the heritage block, especially in the plum collection
In the HFS Nursery:
- Checking on status of trees and the irrigation system
- Preparing for installation of new "bath" areas there
- ... and a range of other on-going improvements
Mowing, weeding, whipper-snipping, hole-filling and removing blackberry plants
Painting labels on trees (weather permitting)

As always, there will be ample time for a very social break over cuppas and home-baked delights. Please bring your own keep-cup to avoid generating unnecessary rubbish. We hope to see you soon!

ABOUT DNA TESTING OF APPLE VARIETIES

With ever-improving methods and economy of scale, DNA testing has truly come a long way in the last few decades, with huge benefits to human and animal health. Until now, verifying apple varieties has relied on inexact identification methods such as flowering times and fruit characteristics. But DNA-based databases such as those at https://www.fruitid.com are starting to provide clear and reliable identities and parentages for many fruit varieties.

Though we don't know yet if apple-specific DNA testing is available here in Australia, we're keen to find out! HFS plays a significant role in maintaining a broad range of fruit varieties for future generations, but we know that some of our trees may be incorrectly identified - so certifying varieties by DNA could assist. If you or anyone you know have access to plant DNA testing, or could be interested in taking on a horticultural project of social and historical importance, we'd love to hear from you! And if you're interested in learning more about this subject, your friendly Editor (Fred) has posted a layman's-oriented introductory article to our HFS website here.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SURPLUS 200mm POTS?

If you have any spare 200mm planting pots, please bring some along to any workshop for HFS use. We're always planting up new trees, and 200mm pots have become our standard size for most purposes. Thanks!

ADVANCE ANNOUNCEMENT: HFS AGM ON SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER

As part of our orchard workshop at Petty's on Sunday October 2, we will our HFS Annual General Meeting at 11am. As usual, we'll provide a morning tea and a tour around the orchard to show off what's ben achieved over the last year. Please plan to come, and feel free to bring significant other(s) and friends as well. Complete details will be provided closer to the date. We hope to see you there!

COVID-19 NOTICE

Most long-standing COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted, but nonetheless:

If you are feeling unwell - even with only mild symptoms - please protect yourself and others by doing the right thing and staying at home and getting tested
All volunteers should endeavour to maintain social distancing at all times
Please feel free to wear a mask at any time