Plant Breeding

We get a lot of concerned questions regarding genetic modification of our fruit because there seems to be a lot of confusion between propagation using selective breeding and GMOs. Let us clarify for you:

We do not grow genetically modified products.

Our hybrid varieties are developed through cross-pollination of genetically compatible trees. Selective breeding using cross pollination has been used since the Neolithic period and is the reason we have the diversified food base that we enjoy today. Commercial selective breeding for variety development has mostly occurred in the past 100 years or so, particularly since the work of Luther Burbank.

Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Apricots, Cherries, and Almonds are all members of the same family of trees, and so they are all compatible. From these trees, different hybrids can emerge: pluots, plumcots, apriums, cherrums, pluerries, nectacotums, and peacotums, to name a few.

Apple Pears, on the other hand, are also not genetically modified even though apples and pears are not genetically compatible. This is because they are not hybrid fruits. As mentioned on our Apple Pear product page, ‘Apple Pear’ is another name for an Asian Pear. These pears are crunchy and crisp like an apple, some even have apple undertones to their flavor, and they are picked ripe on the tree, similar to apples. They are sweet and juicy like pears and have the thicker skin and texture of a pear. Genetically, they are in the pear family. Unlike most pears, however, they do not soften. They remain firm and crisp when ripe.

One of our plant propagation experts, Glen Bradford, tells a bit more about our breeding process and working with our company here:

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