ISHS Acta Horticulturae 367: VI International Symposium on Pear Growing
NEW PROMISING PEAR SELECTIONS FOR PUNJAB |
| Authors: | A.S. SANDHU, R. SINGH, S.S. MANN, D.S. DHILLON, P.P.S. MINHAS, K.K. SHARMA, G.P.S. GREWAL |
| Abstract:
Patharnakh is the leading cv. of Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm) Nakai in North Indian plains and plantations of soft pears like Le Conte and Baggugosha are limited. To broaden the pear culture scenario in the region efforts have been made to harness the genetic variability in soft pears. Amongst the existing plantation great genetic variability exists in respect of yield, regular bearing, fruit size, shape, skin colour and fruit quality. An extensive survey of pear growing areas in Punjab and adjoining states was undertaken and nineteen superior strains spotted. The bearing behaviour and fruit quality parameters of these selections were compared with the already recommended cvs. of soft pears in the sub-tropical plains. Resultant selections (Red Blush, Punjab Gold and Punjab Nectar) have been found very promising. Red Blush is heavy yielder with 23.7 MT/ha-1 followed by Punjab Nectare 21.2 MT ha-1 in comparison to Baggugosha 8.6 MT ha-1. The average fruit weight is higher in Punjab Gold (139.7 g), followed by Red Blush (134.4 g) and lowest in Le Conte (93.9 g). All the three selections had significantly higher juice percentage as compared to existing cultivars. The maximum juice (48.3%) was recorded in Punjab Nectar and minimum in Le Conte (36.3%). Similarly, the TSS was also significantly higher in new selections. The highest TSS (15.1%) was recorded in Red Blush and minimum in Le Conte. No significant differences were found in acidity among the new selections and existing cvs. These selections were also found to be tolerant to major insect pests and diseases in this agro-climatic zone. | |
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