Why are there so many different varities of fruits?

Overview

Students will learn what a plant variety is, and identify fruit varieties suitable for your area.

Objective: To create a fruit guide

Standards (Microsoft Word document)

Materials:

Background

Plants are grouped by similar characteristics, and each species is given an individual classification to distinguish it from other plants. However, often a new seedling or vegetative shoot will exhibit characteristics that 1) are different enough from the species to warrant a special classification, but not different enough to be considered a separate species, and; 2) make it worthy of cultivation in its own right. We call these varieties. For instance, the following are varieties of apple trees:

‘Red Delicious’ produces a red fruit with sweet flavor.

‘Golden Delicious’ produces a yellow fruit with a mild flavor.

‘Granny Smith’- produces a green fruit with a tart flavor.

They’re all considered apple trees, but each produces very different fruit. Varieties differ based on different criteria, including but not limited to:

On a scientific level, the differences among varieties can be very complex, but on the practical level, these labels just make it easier for a consumer to find the fruits that will perform best in their yard with the least amount of care.

Laying the Groundwork

1. Bring in several different varieties of a single type of fruit (apples, grapes, pears, or other fruit the orchard or store has a variety of) and set up a taste test for the students. Ask them to give each variety a score of 1 to 5 with 1 being "don't like" and 5 being "like a lot." Compile all the scores and create a class average to rank the different varieties. Ask them to share specific comments about why they liked or did not like each one.

2. Ask students, Why do you think there are so many different kinds of apples/grapes/pears? Do you think there are characteristics other than flavor that may influence which varieties make it to market? Do you think there are varieties we can grow that we won’t find in the grocery store?

Exploration

1. Use the Internet and other resource materials to identify fruit crops and specific fruit varieties that grow well in your area. A good place to start is your regional or state Cooperative Extension Web site.

2. Invite a local farmer or two to class to discuss how they select the plants they grow, and specifically to talk about differences among varieties.

3. After performing the research, ask students to create a fruit guide for your area.

Making Connections

4. Diversity is important in nature. Ask students why they think variations appear in plants in nature, and what would happen if they didn’t.

5. Visit local fruit orchards, or even a local grocery with a diverse produce selection, to make observations about different varieties.