NOTE: For more on all the non-GM breakthroughs solving precisely the kind of problems (drought-resistance, salt-resistance, biofortification etc.) that GM proponents claim only genetic modification can provide the answer to, see: http://bit.ly/dIua50
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GE Red Apple Scientists Pipped At The Post
Press Release: Jon Muller
GE Free NZ, 3 May 2011
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC1105/S00004/ge-red-apple-scientists-pipped-at-the-post.htm

Plant and Food scientists working on a GE red apple have been pipped to the post by the commercial launch of the RedLove variety of apple. The RedLove apple is the work of Swiss researcher Markus Kobelt, who over 20 years has successfully developed a number of red fleshed apple varieties that are sweet, tangy and delicious.

Lubera orchardist/ developer Markus Kobelt [1] expressly states that these apples are not genetically engineered, but produced through careful pollination and selection.

Kobelt mentions that he is aware New Zealand scientists at Crop and Food have been developing a genetically engineered red apple over the last ten years and knew about his non GE varieties development. This highlights the slowness of GE over conventional breeding techniques and the reluctance of New Zealand researchers to fully disclose what natural breeding development techniques are available to achieve the same result without Genetic engineering.

"It cannot be logical to spend millions of taxpayers dollars and research resources on a red GE apple we know could have dangers to the environment and people health and is simply not acceptable to the market, and already exists as a non-GE variant," says Claire Bleakley from GE-Free NZ in food and environment

The Redlove is cross-pollinated with new apple varieties [2] of Royal Gala and Braeburn apples with a range of old varieties and strains of apples.

“These varieties of new apple have been created through Non-GE techniques which is fantastic. New Zealand is renowned for its high quality apples and kiwi orchardists can plant them without worrying about market resistance to GE. Traditionally "playing bees" pollination is a much faster natural means to produce healthy plants varieties” says Claire Bleakely.

This apple is on the market for gardeners to buy today. It provides all the sought-after traits that an orchardist and consumer may want through safe natural cross pollination, not experimental genetic engineering.

The Deliciously tasty Redlove ERA apple is

ӢCrisp and juicy with a hint of berries
ӢUniquely coloured - Rosy-red flesh with a beautiful pattern running through it
ӢEven better for you - Higher in antioxidants than other apples
ӢDisease resistant - Exceptionally high resistance to scab
ӢAttractive in the garden - Unusual, long-lasting, deep pink spring blossom
ӢVersatile in the kitchen - Delicious eaten raw but also ideal for cooking (it retains its red color) [4]

European Orchardists have been planting their orchards with this nutritious specially selected apple and they will be available in July through to October.

“We will have to hold off here in New Zealand until the nurseries are able to import the stock. Koanga Gardens has a few apples that have a rosy heritage hue. A good Happy Mothers Day present even for those scientists who have been trying so hard to create what already exists in their lab.”

References:

Lubera does not use Genetic engineering http://www.lubera.co.uk/luberacouk/4-lubera-does-not-use-methods-of-genetic-engineering_vid_31204.html

Markus Kobelt pollination of Redlove varieties
http://www.lubera.co.uk/luberacouk/1-about-breeding-the-brandnew-redloves_vid_31115.html

Salt Spring Island Apple Festival http://www.appleluscious.com/festival/apple_festival_2008_promo.html

Suttons Nursery Apple Red love. http://www.suttons.co.uk/Gardening/Fruit/Fruit+Trees/Apple+Redlove_MH2213.htm