NYU Abu Dhabi study explores evolution of apples

April 21, 2026 / 4:39 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with international partners, have revealed new insights into how apples evolved, showing that modern varieties developed through continuous interaction with wild apple trees rather than a simple domestication process.

Ongoing exchange with wild species

Published in Current Biology, the study compared cultivated apples with wild relatives from Europe and Asia. It found that as apples spread across regions, they repeatedly exchanged genetic traits with wild populations, shaping their development over time.

Impact on flavour, resilience, and diversity

These genetic exchanges played a key role in determining important characteristics such as flavour, disease resistance, and adaptability to different environments. The research also showed that different apple types, including dessert and cider varieties, followed distinct evolutionary paths.

Importance of wild apple populations

The findings highlight that wild apple trees remain a vital genetic resource, offering traits that could help develop new varieties better suited to disease resistance and climate change.

Broader implications for agriculture

Beyond apples, the study suggests that other fruit crops may have evolved in similar ways. It underscores the importance of conserving wild plant populations and leveraging their genetic diversity to support more sustainable and resilient agriculture.