In the lecture "Genetic Treasures from Apple's Ancestral Home," Philip Forsline, Horticulturist/Curator at the USDA Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) at Geneva's New York Agriculture Experiment Station, will discuss the search to expand the genetic diversity of the apple. In the 1990s the USDA sponsored a number of expeditions to collect samples of apple seeds and rootstock from around the world, in the interest of preserving as much genetic diversity as possible. This increased diversity will enable the creation of apple varieties with new characteristics such as improved pest and disease resistance. In this program, Mr. Forsline will discuss his participation in these expeditions to central Asia, the amazing diversity the researchers found in the area where apples first evolved, and why this matters. Mr. Forsline manages one of 34 stations that are part of the National Plant Germplasm System. The PGRU is tasked with preserving and safeguarding about 20,000 samples of apples, vegetable crops, cold-hardy grapes, and tart cherries, to ensure they will be around for generations to come.