ISHS Acta Horticulturae 800: X International Pear Symposium
PYRUS BETULIFOLIA IS THE BEST ROOTSTOCK FOR THE 'COSCIA' PEAR IN THE WARM CLIMATE OF ISRAEL |
| Author: | R.A. Stern |
| Keywords: | fruit size, Pyrus communis, yield |
| Abstract:
The vegetative and productive performance of ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) growing on seven different rootstocks; OHF 69, OHF 97, OHF 513 and BP 1 (P. communis), clonal seedling (Davis AxB) of P. betulifolia and the quince BA 29 and EMA (Cydonia oblonga) were compared during an eight-year period. The trial was carried out at the Experimental Orchard Farm Station in northern Israel, on a well-drained soil with pH 7.5. The trees were planted in December 1998 at a distance of 4.0 x 2.0 m and trained with a central axis. The most vigorous ‘Coscia’ trees were on P. betulifolia seedling, followed by BP 1 and the three OHF (69, 97 and 513). All the above rootstocks demonstrated greater vigor than quince types – BA 29 or EMA. The reason for this effect, at least in part, appeared to be the excellent water status (high SWP values) of trees on P. betulifolia in comparison with the other rootstocks. The highest cumulative yields per tree were obtained on P. betulifolia and BP 1 followed by all three OHF – 69, 97, 513. However, the highest cumulative yield of large fruit (>60 mm) was obtained only on P. betulifolia, followed by the OHF series and BP 1. The two quince rootstocks – BA 29 and EMA had the lowest cumulative total yield and the lowest yield of large fruit. A positive correlations were found between the vigor of the tree, as affected by the rootstock and both the total yield and the fruit size. We conclude that in a warm climate yield efficiency is not the only parameter that should be taken into account and building a strong tree for the weak cultivar is the first requirement for establishing a ‘Coscia’ orchard. | |
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