Michigan researchers look for apple trees that bloom late to help fight climate change.
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Scientists are trying to help apple trees survive in a changing climate. One problem is that warmer weather can make apple trees bloom too early, and then frost can kill the flowers.
A scientist named Steve van Nocker is studying a type of apple tree that blooms later. This tree is called Malus coronaria, and it grows wild in Michigan.
Malus coronaria blooms later than other apple trees, so its flowers are not hurt by frost. Van Nocker wants to find out which genes in Malus coronaria make it bloom late.
If he can find those genes, he can use them to breed new types of apple trees. These new trees would be able to bloom later and would be less likely to be hurt by frost.
It will take a long time to breed these new apple trees, but it is important work. If we don't find ways to help apple trees survive climate change, we might not be able to grow apples in some places anymore.
Questions
What problem do apple trees face in warmer weather?
Warmer weather can make apple trees bloom too early, and then frost can kill the flowers.
What is the name of the apple tree that blooms later?
The apple tree that blooms later is called Malus coronaria.
Why is it important to find genes that make apple trees bloom late?
It is important because new trees that bloom later would be less likely to be hurt by frost, helping apple trees survive climate change.
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