ISHS Acta Horticulturae 69: II International Symposium on Pear Growing
ROLE OF BREEDING IN IMPROVING PEAR PRODUCTION |
| Author: | T. van der Zwet |
| Abstract:
The genus Pyrus possesses many characteristics which can be used in breeding programs to modify pear production. The role of breeding in the improvement of pear was determined by summarizing the opinions of 54 scientists associated with pear production in North America (United States and Canada), Europe, Israel, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Among the tree characteristics, the components contributing to yield (compatibility, precocity, and parthenocarpy) were the most important, whereas, utilization of nutrients was considered least important. Tree shape and size, dwarfing stocks, late blooming, drought tolerance, and cold hardiness were considered important by 50–80% of the scientists. The needed improvements in fruit quality appeared to largely depend on the growing area. In Europe, early ripening, keeping quality, and fruit quality during storage were all considered important. In western North America, early ripening was not considered essential, and 57% of the scientists indicated that keeping quality and quality during storage were factors needing improvement. In the remaining areas, 60–100% of the scientists favored improvement of keeping quality and overall fruit quality. Climatic conditions of a given location strongly influences the need for improvement of the characteristics associated with disease and insect resistance. Scientists in all countries considered fire blight resistance to be important, although the disease has not been found in all pear producing areas. In the arid climate of western North America, fungal diseases, such as scab, mildew, and Fabraea leaf spot, were not considered to be important but resistance to psylla and mites were strongly emphasized. Nematodes were considered important by only 25% of the scientists. Among the characteristics surveyed, precocity, late blooming, components contributing to fruit quality, early ripening, keeping quality, fire blight, scab, and psylla resistance can be genetically improved. With the present knowledge, breeding methods for improved cold hardiness and resistance to drought, mildew, leaf blister mite, and nematodes are not readily apparent. Resistance to leaf spot and psylla can be derived from native Pyrus species but it may be difficult to retain the customary flavor and texture of the buttery dessert pear. | |
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