There is a really interesting article in the NY Times on Wednesday, November 21st about apple botanic history and the science from the USDA station in Geneva, NY. I used to work at Cornell on an apple orchard, and there is a lot of research done up there.

If you go to their website, you can look it up. You'll have to sign up., but I think it will be worth it to you if you're an apple fan.
John S
PDX OR