Apples rank among the world’s most valuable fruit crops, with production spanning more than 100 countries. Some apple trees naturally develop into what farmers call “spur-type” varieties—compact trees that are more productive and easier to maintain. But the genetic mechanisms underlying this coveted trait have remained elusive—until now. Apples rank among the world’s most valuable fruit crops, with production spanning more than 100 countries. Some apple trees naturally develop into what farmers call “spur-type” varieties—compact trees that are more productive and easier to maintain. But the genetic mechanisms underlying this coveted trait have remained elusive—until now. Molecular & Computational biology Agriculture Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories