Cider Chat

Dr John Cline and Derek Plotkowski chat the study of pomes, i.e., Pomology and their current research on cider apples. They are based at the University of Guelph in Ontario Canada.   The Ontario Craft Cider Association approach Dr. Cline looking for access to cider varieties and to get an understanding of how they would grow in Canada. Look at the horticultural aspects of growing these cider varieties in Canada, such as; How productive are they? What might be the issues facing the cider apple trees selected? How to they work with the root stock M9? What are their disease and insect susceptibility? How prone are they to winter injury in Canada? The results of this research and starting data should begin to show preliminary information in 2017. Says Dr. Cline, "In Canada apples are second to blueberries in terms of fruit crops. In terms of tree crops they are number 1" What is the difference between a young tree vs an older tree?  Between 1-4 years, the fruit is softer and apples do not store as well The go