Sortval för Äpplehagen: Odlade och rekommenderade äpplesorter i Skaraborgs län 1880–1930

Abstract

This thesis investigates the former apple orchard Äpplehagen with a focus on its origin, history, and remaining fruit trees. Historical aerial photographs, historical maps, an interview with a former owner, together with a field investigation has served as the methods of this survey. The investigation shows that Äpplehagen probably was established between 1882 and the 1930´s as a rational orchard in the spirit of the time aiming to produce fruit both for household and for sale. The aim of this thesis is to examine which apple cultivars that can be used for replanting in Äpplehagen. As an old apple orchard, the site possesses cultural-historical values through its ability to provide information about some of the common apple varieties used during the rationalization of fruit production and cultivation around the beginning of the 1900´s. Replanting needs to consider its cultural-historical context. Annual reports of the county gardeners in Skaraborg, meeting protocols of the Fruit Growers' Association in Skaraborg county, a catalogue from Skara garden association and articles from local newspapers from the period 1880–1930 have been used to gather information of which apple cultivars that have been grown in the region during the time period. The investigation has found a number of apple cultivars that can be used in the replanting of Äpplehagen.