Protocols
The protocols being used by this project are divided into sections below for ease of examination. While it is helpful to have different kinds of information that are interrelated, it is not critical that every observation that is shared have all of the same elements. However, if information is collected in one of the categories below it is important to indicate if the protocol has been used or not so that anyone who decides to do analysis across multiple sets of observations will be able to understand if they are comparable or possibly not.
Objective 1. Identify probable historical scenarios for A) the arrival times of apples, B) apple variety diversity, C) apple processing technologies, and D) apple orchard management.
Hypotheses
1A: Apple varieties were originally introduced very early in the distant past in each study area and are still in use today, but local varieties will differ because of divergent modern histories.
1B: Apple diversity is higher today than in the past because of steady development of new, local varieties and modern introductions.
1C: As apple processing technologies evolve, apple variety diversity will change.
1D: Orchard management practices will include specific actions responding to environmental conditions at different periods of time and selection of cider apple variety mixes within orchards will be based upon environmental conditions.
Objective 2. A) Identify patterns of climate change observations, and B) management responses to changes, made by multi-generational apple orchard managers.
Hypotheses
2A: Changes in patterns or regimes of temperature and rainfall are highlighted in the study areas using quantitative climate data.
2B: Managers are observing climate changes through observations made about the lifecycles of apples trees and environments of their orchards.
2C: Managers are responding to climate changes through a variety of actions including selection of apple varieties that are better adapted to current conditions.
Identification of Orchard Products
Objective 3. Develop chemical “fingerprints” using metabolomics of traditional orchard products (juice/cider/vinegar) for analysis of chemical diversity in the study areas.
Hypothesis 3: Apple orchard products will reflect specific predictable relationships between named varieties and chemical fingerprints; variations in amplified metabolites will represent local responses to different environments.
Objective 4. Collect plant voucher specimens representing interviews.
Data Distribution & Conservation
Objective 5. Receive, organize and redistribute all data generated by this research project so that it is openly accessible to anyone needing it, promotes integration of regional efforts, researchers, development of educational curriculum, and prompt publication. Secure all generated data within at least two different archives.
Objective 6. Develop bioinformatics enriched curricula for transitional students focused on doing the process of research and applying the specific research methods, results, observations, and analytical approaches of this project.
Objective 7. Develop a Geographical Information System (GIS) Data Base for Quantitative Spatial and Temporal Geographical Analysis and Modeling.
Hypothesis
7A: Patterns of orchard manager climate change observations and recommended solutions (adaptations) will emerge across areas (some culture specific and some not).
7B:The observations will correlate with publically available climate data patterns generated by scientists providing evidence that the crowdsourced orchard managers are accurate predictors of climate change.
7C: Higher-levels (beyond the orchard) spatial patterns about apples will emerge which help explain both the country-wide history of apple-variety introductions and the use of specific apple varieties in response to climate change.