Question

Royal Gala Apple   We picked up an apple the same as the one you talked about in May 2012. We purchased this apple, unintentionally, in Dec 2012, in Ontario.  What are the chances that this is becoming more common?

Answer
Hi Barb,

Since you have found this condition both times in a Gala-type apple, I suspect that this cultivar has a tendency to have this mutation.  Since it uncommonly occurs (or we would see it much more often), I would guess that the frequency is low (less than 1-2%).  If breeders felt this trait were desirable, they may try to grow new plants from the seed to determine if the progeny also carry the trait. You could try to grow the seed yourself but it will take many years for fruit to develop.  I suspect that the mutation will not be transmitted to the seed or breeders would have already developed this type of apple.

-Jen